Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlates of medication adherence among patients with bipolar disorder: results of the bipolar evaluation of satisfaction and tolerability (BEST) study: a nationwide cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE To identify and describe correlates of medication adherence in a large, national sample of outpatients with bipolar disorder. METHOD Data were collected via a self-report, Web-based survey in January and February of 2008 from US patients aged 18-65 years who reported a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and current use of psychotropic medication. Patients with a Composite International Diagnostic Interview-bipolar disorder (CIDI-bipolar disorder) score ≥ 7, indicating a high risk of bipolar disorder, were included in the analyses. Medication adherence was assessed via the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, with scores ≥ 2 being considered nonadherent. The primary analysis was a multivariate binomial logistic regression with adherence as the dependent variable. Covariates included patient demographics, physical health measures including Medical Outcomes Study 8-item Short-Form Health Survey physical summary score, number of manic and depressive episodes, 24-item Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale (BASIS-24), Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side-Effect Rating Scale (LUNSERS), Satisfaction With Antipsychotic Medication scale (SWAM), and current psychiatric medication use. RESULTS Nearly half (49.5%) of the 1,052 bipolar patients in the analysis were classified as being nonadherent. Adherence was positively associated with college degree, higher SWAM total score, and monotherapy treatment. Adherence was negatively associated with female sex, alcohol use, BASIS-24 total score, and LUNSERS total score. CONCLUSIONS Nonadherence is common among patients with bipolar disorder. By addressing tolerability issues and treatment satisfaction, which are both significant correlates of adherence, health care providers may be able to improve adherence and, ultimately, treatment outcomes.
Increased plasma immunoreactive neuropeptide Y concentrations in phaeochromocytoma and chronic renal failure.

To investigate the clinical usefulness of radio-immunoassay of neuropeptide Y (NPY), we measured plasma immunoreactive neuropeptide Y (IR-NPY) concentrations in normal subjects (n = 21), essential hypertensive patients (n = 33), patients with phaeochromocytoma (n = 7), patients with chronic renal disease with serum creatinine levels of less than 1.9 mg/dl (n = 5) and patients with chronic renal failure whose serum creatinine levels were greater than or equal to 1.9 mg/dl (n = 18, eight without haemodialysis and 10 undergoing maintenance haemodialysis), by radio-immunoassay. Plasma IR-NPY concentrations in patients with phaeochromocytoma (577 +/- 256 pg/ml, mean +/- s.d.) were significantly higher (P less than 0.001) than those in normal subjects (151 +/- 28 pg/ml), essential hypertensive patients (177 +/- 49 pg/ml) and patients with chronic renal disease with serum creatinine levels less than 1.9 mg/dl (198 +/- 71 pg/ml). Plasma IR-NPY concentrations in patients with chronic renal failure (without haemodialysis: 330 +/- 63 pg/ml; undergoing maintenance haemodialysis: 374 +/- 80 pg/ml) were also high. These results suggest that NPY is useful as one of the tumour markers of phaeochromocytomas. However, this study revealed that patients with chronic renal failure, without phaeochromocytoma also have increased plasma IR-NPY concentrations.
Performance evaluation of a modified PRMA protocol for joint voice and data packet wireless networks

In this paper, a modified version of the packet reservation multiple-access (PRMA) protocol is proposed to provide spatially dispersed voice and data user terminals wireless access to a base station over a common short-range radio channel. An analytical approach is presented in order to derive system performance in terms of mean data message delay and voice packet dropping probability. A suitable permission probability design is also proposed to enhance system performance. Performance comparisons with an extension of the PRMA protocol to voice data systems previously reported in literature are shown to highlight the better behavior of this approach.
Bacterial translocation and tumor necrosis factor-&agr; gene expression in experimental hemorrhagic shock

ObjectiveTo investigate whether bacterial translocation is the causative mechanism underlying cytokine production during hemorrhagic shock. DesignProspective, randomized, unblinded animal study. SettingSurgical research laboratories of Shiga University of Medical Science. SubjectsMale Sprague-Dawley rats. InterventionsThe rats were randomly divided into three groups. Each animal was anesthetized with pentobarbital, given a continuous infusion of 0.9% saline, and monitored for blood pressure. The normoxic and sham shock groups breathed room air, whereas the hyperoxic shock group was administered 100% oxygen. Except in the sham shock group, blood was withdrawn to induce a hemorrhagic shock state, then the shed blood was reinfused. Sixty minutes after the induction of hemorrhagic shock, arterial blood cultures were performed in all three groups. The animals were then killed, and their mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) were harvested for bacterial culture. The terminal ileum, liver, spleen, kidney, lung, and MLNs were also collected for histologic study by in situ hybridization. Measurements and Main ResultsIn the bacteriologic study, the prevalence of bacterial translocation was 0% (0/11) in the hyperoxic shock group, 55% (6/11) in the normoxic shock group, and 0% (0/9) in the sham shock group. In the in situ hybridization study, tumor necrosis factor-&agr; gene expression was detected only in the ileal tissue, MLNs, and spleens of the normoxic shock group. Blood cultures were sterile in all three groups. ConclusionsBacterial translocation occurred in MLNs within 1 hr of hemorrhage. Hemorrhagic shock causes tumor necrosis factor-&agr; gene expression as well as bacterial translocation in MLNs, but not in the liver, in this model. Bacterial translocation was prevented by hyperoxia early in the course of hemorrhagic shock. Hyperoxia also prevented tumor necrosis factor-&agr; gene expression along the bacterial invasion route.
Fatigability of spinal reflex transmission in a mouse model (SOD1G93A) of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons. To analyze the progressive motor deficits during the course of this disease, we investigated fatigability and ability of recovery of spinal motor neurons by testing monosynaptic reflex transmission with increasing stimulus frequencies in the lumbar spinal cord of the SOD1G93A mouse model for ALS in a comparison with wild‐type (WT) mice. Monosynaptic reflexes in WT and SOD1G93A mice without behavioral deficits showed no difference with respect to their resistance to increasing stimulus frequencies. During the progression of motor deficits in SOD1G93A mice, the vulnerability of monosynaptic reflexes to higher frequencies increased, the required time for reflex recovery was extended, and recovery was often incomplete. Fatigability and demand for recovery of spinal motor neurons in SOD1G93A mice rose with increasing motor deficits. This supports the assumption that impairment of the energy supply may contribute to the pathogenesis of ALS. Muscle Nerve 43: 230–236, 2011
Advancing treatment options for chronic idiopathic constipation

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic constipation is a global problem affecting all ages and associated with considerable morbidity and significant financial burden for society. Though formerly defined on the basis of a single symptom, infrequent defecation; constipation is now viewed as a syndrome encompassing several complaints such as difficulty with defecation, a sense of incomplete evacuation, hard stools, abdominal discomfort and bloating. Areas covered: The expanded concept of constipation has inevitably led to a significant change in outcomes in clinical trials, as well as in patient expectations from new therapeutic interventions. The past decades have also witnessed a proliferation in therapeutic targets for new agents. Foremost among these have been novel prokinetics, a new category, prosecretory agents and innovative approaches such as inhibitors of bile salt transport. In contrast, relatively few effective therapies exist for the management of those anorectal and pelvic floor problems that result in difficult defecation. Expert opinion: Though constipation is a common and often troublesome disorder, many of those affected can resolve their symptoms with relatively simple measures. For those with more resistant symptoms a number of novel, effective and safe options now exist. Those with defecatory difficulty (anismus, pelvic floor dysfunction) continue to represent a significant management challenge.
Enzymatic activity toward poly(L-lactic acid) implants.

Tissue reactions toward biodegradable poly(L-lactic acid) implants were monitored by studying the activity pattern of seven enzymes as a function of time: alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, alpha-naphthylacetyl esterase, beta-glucuronidase, ATP-ase, NADH-reductase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Cell types were identified by their specific enzyme patterns, their morphology and location. Special attention was paid to the enzyme patterns of macrophages, fibroblasts and polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs), being involved in foreign body reactions or inflammatory responses. One day after implantation, an influx of neutrophilic and eosinophilic granulocytes was observed, coinciding with activity of alkaline phosphatase (PMN's) and beta-glucuronidase (eosinophils). From day 3 on, macrophages containing ATP-ase, acid phosphatase and esterase could be observed. From day 7 on, lactate dehydrogenase, the enzyme normally involved in the conversion of lactic acid, and its coenzyme NADH-reductase were observed in macrophages and fibroblasts. These two enzymes demonstrated more activity than expected on basis of wound-healing reactions upon implantation of a nonbiodegradable, inert biomaterial (as, e.g., Teflon). It is concluded that the biodegradable poly (L-lactic acid) used in these implantation studies is tissue compatible, and evokes a foreign body reaction with minor macrophage and giant cell activity, as observed during this 3-week implantation period. Most enzyme patterns were simply due to a wound-healing reaction. The slightly increased levels of LDH and NADH suggest the release of lactic acid from the implant, and thus confirms the biodegradable nature of this polymer.
Differential impairment in recognition of emotion across different media in people with severe traumatic brain injury

Recent evidence suggests that there may be dissociable systems for recognizing emotional expressions from different media including audio and visual channels, and still versus moving displays. In this study, 34 adults with severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and 28 adults without brain injuries were assessed for their capacity to recognize emotional expressions from dynamic audiovisual displays, conversational tone alone, moving facial displays, and still photographs. The TBI group were significantly impaired in their interpretation of both audio and audiovisual displays. In addition, eight of the 34 were significantly impaired in their capacity to recognize still facial expressions. In contrast, only one individual was impaired in the recognition of moving visual displays. Information processing speed was not found to play a significant role in producing problems with dynamic emotional expression. Instead the results suggest that visual moving displays may enlist different brain systems to those engaged with still displays, for example, the parietal cortices. Problems with the processing of affective prosody, while present, were not clearly related to other emotion processing problems. While this may attest to the independence of the auditory affective system, it may also reflect problems with the dual demands of listening to conversational meaning and affective tone. (JINS, 2005, 11, 392–399.)
In vitro effects of triiodothyronine on the reduced osteogenic potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of rats with osteoporosis.

Objective: Evaluate the effect of in vitro triiodothyronine (T3) on the reduced osteogenic potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) of adult rats with osteoporosis compared with BMMSCs of young and adult rats without osteoporosis. Methods: groups were tested: BMMSCs of young rats; BMMSCs of adult rats without osteoporosis; BMMSCs of adult rats with osteoporosis without T3 and BMMSCs of adult rats with osteoporosis treated with T3 (0.01, 1, 100 and 1000 nM). Alkaline phosphatase activity, MTT reduction, mineralized nodules and gene expression for collagen, osteocalcin, sialoprotein, osteopontin and BMP-2 were evaluated. Results: Osteoporosis increased the alkaline phosphatase activity and reduced the formation of mineralized nodules and expression of collagen and osteopontin in at least one of the observed time points. However, the T3 treatment of BMMSCs of rats with osteoporosis altered these parameters. Conclusion: It was concluded that doses of T3, 0.01 and 1000 nM had a positive effect promoted by increased osteogenic matrix synthesis and collagen expression in at least one of the evaluated time points compared to BMMSCs of rats with osteoporosis without treatment. However, T3 was unable to reach the osteogenic potential of the MSCs of healthy young rats.
Imaging of the skeletal muscle metastases.

AIM To define the radiological imaging features and clinical findings of the patients with skeletal muscle metastasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS 4454 computed tomography (CT), 1802 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 2569 positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging studies of the oncology patients performed between March 2009 and July 2012 in the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Departments of our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS Fifty-two patients had 91 different metastatic skeletal muscle masses. Twenty-one patients (40%) were diagnosed with lung carcinoma as being the most common primary source. Forty-seven patients (90%) had metastatic disease somewhere else at the time of detection of skeletal muscle metastasis. Thirty-three patients (63%) had lymph node metastasis which was the most common site. Muscles mostly affected by metastatic disease were gluteals (15%), psoas (8.7%), erector spinae (8.7%), rectus abdominis (7.6%), latissimus dorsi (6.5%). The mean size of the lesions was 30 mm (range, 10-120 mm). The most common appearance on contrast-enhanced CT was a rim-enhancing intramuscular mass with central hypoattenuation. On MRI, skeletal muscle metastases mostly revealed isointense signal on T1-weighted images, heterogeneous high signal with peritumoral edema on T2-weighted images and extensive enhancement with central necrosis on gadolinium-DTPA (diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid) enhanced images. CONCLUSIONS Skeletal muscle metastasis may be an incidental finding on CT. The most common CT appearance is a rim-enhancing intramuscular mass with central hypoattenuation. On MRI, extensive tumoral enhancement, central necrosis and peritumoral edema are highly acceptable features of skeletal muscle metastasis.
Detecting Alternative Gene Structures from Spliced ESTs: A Computational Approach

Alternative splicing (AS) is currently considered as one of the main mechanisms able to explain the huge gap between the number of predicted genes and the high complexity of the proteome in humans. The rapid growth of Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) data has encouraged the development of computational methods to predict alternative splicing from the analysis of EST alignment to genome sequences. EST data are also a valuable source to reconstruct the different transcript isoforms that derive from the same gene structure as a consequence of AS, as indeed EST sequences are obtained by fragmenting mRNAs from the same gene. The most recent studies on alternative splice sites detection have revealed that this topic is a quite challenging computational problem, far from a solution. The main computational issues related to the problem of detecting alternative splicing are investigated in this paper, and we analyze algorithmic solutions for this problem. We first formalize an optimization problem related to the prediction of constitutive and alternative splicing sites from EST sequences, the Minimum Exons ESTs Factorization problem (in short, MEF), and show that it is Np-hard, even for restricted instances. This problem leads us to define sets of spliced EST, that is, a set of EST factorized into their constitutive exons with respect to a gene. Then we investigate the computational problem of predicting transcript isoforms from spliced EST sequences. We propose a graph algorithm for the problem that is linear in the number of predicted isoforms and size of the graph. Finally, an experimental analysis of the method is performed to assess the reliability of the predictions.
Key components of intravenous chemotherapy labeling: A systematic review and practice guideline

Objective. To determine the necessary components and formatting of an intravenous chemotherapy label to maximize safe delivery and minimize errors. Date sources. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (up to April 2009) were searched for relevant evidence. Reference lists from retained studies were then searched for additional trials. An environmental scan was also conducted to locate other published and unpublished sources of information. Study selection. Relevant articles were selected and reviewed by one methodologist. Articles were selected for inclusion if they were published English language reports of Phases II or III randomized controlled trials, other comparative studies, single-arm studies, practice guidelines, or systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses, which related to the study question. MEDLINE and EMBASE searches yielded 685 potential studies of which 17 met the inclusion criteria. The environmental scan located one guideline. Three additional relevant studies were identified during the external review process. In total, 21 documents met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction. Data were extracted by one methodologist. Quality of systematic reviews was assessed using the AMSTAR tool. All other studies were evaluated based on study characteristics applicable to the particular study design. Data synthesis. The evidence collected and the consensus of expert opinion of Cancer Care Ontario’s Chemotherapy Labeling Panel form the basis of a series of recommendations for the generation of intravenous chemotherapy labels including formatting, required information, and order of information. These guidelines inform the efficient, effective, and safe administration of intravenous chemotherapy. Illustrative examples are provided.
Computed tomography of the larynx

The normal computed tomographic anatomy of the larynx and surrounding structures is illustrated and discussed. An attempt is made to distinguish various types of tissues in cross‐sectional display. The advantages of computed tomography over other modalities used for imaging the laryngeal region include the capacity to depict structural relationships in cross‐section, to better define cartilaginous involvement by adjacent neoplasms, and to identify vascular components with contrast enhancement. The clinical application of computed tomography with respect to radiation therapy treatment planning of laryngeal tumors is an important feature of this imaging technique.
Modeling Disease Progression With Longitudinal Markers

In this article we propose a Bayesian natural history model for disease progression based on the joint modeling of longitudinal biomarker levels, age at clinical detection of disease, and disease status at diagnosis. We establish a link between the longitudinal responses and the natural history of the disease by using an underlying latent disease process that describes the onset of the disease and models the transition to an advanced stage of the disease as dependent on the biomarker levels. We apply our model to data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging on prostate-specific antigen to investigate the natural history of prostate cancer.
Partial purification and characterization of α-amylase produced by Aspergillus oryzae using spent-brewing grains

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) was carried out to produce α-amylase from Aspergillus oryzae (IFO 30103) using spent brewing grains (SBG) as substrate. A maximum of 11296 U/gds amylase activity was obtained after 48 h of fermentation. The extracted enzyme was subjected to partial purification by ammonium sulphate fractionation. Maximum specific activity was obtained with 40-70% fraction. SDS-PAGE of the corresponding sample revealed an approximate 66 kDa band, which was confirmed by activity staining as α-amylase. It was optimally active at pH 5 and 50°C by using 1% starch as substrate concentration. The partially purified α-amylase loses activity rapidly above 50C but it can be retained in the presence of Ca. Presence of Mn and Fe enhanced the enzyme activity and is almost doubled in presence of Mn. However, in the presence of Hg and Cu the activity is reduced. Hg reduced the enzyme activity by half.
MicroRNA Signatures: Novel Biomarker for Colorectal Cancer?

Aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression might be of potential use as diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for cancers. We reviewed studies published until March 2011 which assessed expression of miRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC)/adenoma tissue and normal colorectal mucosa and in plasma of CRC/adenoma patients and healthy controls. Overall, 20 studies that investigated miRNA expression in tissue and 3 studies that investigated miRNA levels in plasma were included. A total of 160 miRNAs were found to be dysregulated in CRC. MiR-20a and miR-31 were found to be significantly upregulated in more than one study, and miR-143 and miR-145 were found to be significantly downregulated in CRC tissue in six or more studies. MiR-92a was significantly upregulated in CRC patients in two of the plasma-based studies and in CRC tissue in one of the tissue-based studies. Our results provide timely and relevant information for miRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers for CRC. The expression of miRNAs in plasma may be indicative of presence of CRC. Larger diagnostic studies are needed to evaluate potential use of miRNA expression in early detection and diagnosis of CRC. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(7); 1272–86. ©2011 AACR.
Fatal hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in an adolescent.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a recently recognized viral zoonosis characterized by a febrile prodrome progressing to severe noncardiogenic pulmonary edema.1-4 This syndrome is caused by at least three newly described hantaviruses: the first, Sin Nombre virus, is the Southwestern hantavirus that caused an outbreak of respiratory failure during the summer of 1993; the second, Black Creek Canal virus, caused a case of HPS in Florida; and the third hantavirus was identified in lung tissue from a patient in Louisiana. Diagnosis is by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) serology with elevated immunoglobulin M (IgM) titers against heterologous and homologous hantaviral antigens, positive immunohistochemistry on formalin-fixed tissue, or reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification of hantaviral nucleotide sequence from frozen tissue.