Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum metabolomic profiling and incident CKD among African Americans.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Novel biomarkers that more accurately reflect kidney function and predict future CKD are needed. The human metabolome is the product of multiple physiologic or pathophysiologic processes and may provide novel insight into disease etiology and progression. This study investigated whether estimated kidney function would be associated with multiple metabolites and whether selected metabolomic factors would be independent risk factors for incident CKD. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS In total, 1921 African Americans free of CKD with a median of 19.6 years follow-up among the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study were included. A total of 204 serum metabolites quantified by untargeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was analyzed by both linear regression for the cross-sectional associations with eGFR (specified by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation) and Cox proportional hazards model for the longitudinal associations with incident CKD. RESULTS Forty named and 34 unnamed metabolites were found to be associated with eGFR specified by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation with creatine and 3-indoxyl sulfate showing the strongest positive (2.8 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) per +1 SD; 95% confidence interval, 2.1 to 3.5) and negative association (-14.2 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) per +1 SD; 95% confidence interval, -17.0 to -11.3), respectively. Two hundred four incident CKD events with a median follow-up time of 19.6 years were included in the survival analyses. Higher levels of 5-oxoproline (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.60 to 0.82) and 1,5-anhydroglucitol (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.58 to 0.80) were significantly related to lower risk of incident CKD, and the associations did not appreciably change when mutually adjusted. CONCLUSIONS These data identify a large number of metabolites associated with kidney function as well as two metabolites that are candidate risk factors for CKD and may provide new insights into CKD biomarker identification.
Towards Understanding the Dynamics of Generative Adversarial Networks

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) have recently been proposed as a promising avenue towards learning generative models with deep neural networks. While GANs have demonstrated state-of-the-art performance on multiple vision tasks, their learning dynamics are not yet well understood, both in theory and in practice. To address this issue, we take a first step towards a rigorous study of GAN dynamics. We propose a simple model that exhibits several of the common problematic convergence behaviors (e.g., vanishing gradient, mode collapse, diverging or oscillatory behavior) and still allows us to establish the first convergence bounds for parametric GAN dynamics. We find an interesting dichotomy: a GAN with an optimal discriminator provably converges, while a first order approximation of the discriminator leads to unstable GAN dynamics and mode collapse. Our model and analysis point to a specific challenge in practical GAN training that we call discriminator collapse.
Immunological properties of gene vaccines delivered by different routes.

Gene vaccines represent a new and promising approach to control infectious diseases, inducing a protective immune response in the appropriate host. Several routes and methods of genetic immunization have been shown to induce antibody production as well as T helper (Th) cell and cytotoxic T lymphocyte activation. However, few studies have compared the nature of the immune responses generated by different gene vaccination delivery systems. In the present study we reviewed some aspects of immunity induced by gene immunization and compared the immune responses produced by intramuscular (i.m.) DNA injection to gene gun-mediated DNA transfer into the skin of BALB/c mice. Using a reporter gene coding for beta-galactosidase, we have demonstrated that i.m. injection raised a predominantly Th1 response with mostly IgG2a anti-beta gal produced, while gene gun immunization induced a mixed Th1/Th2 profile with a balanced production of IgG2a and IgG1 subclasses. Distinct types of immune responses were generated by different methods of gene delivery. These findings have important implications for genetic vaccine design. Firstly, a combination between these two systems may create optimal conditions for the induction of a broad-based immune response. Alternatively, a particular gene vaccine delivery method might be used according to the immune response required for host protection. Here, we describe the characteristics of the immune response induced by gene vaccination and the properties of DNA involved in this process.
Anabolic steroid-induced hepatotoxicity: is it overstated?

OBJECTIVE There have been numerous reports of hepatic dysfunction secondary to anabolic steroid use based on elevated levels of serum aminotransferases. This study was conducted to distinguish between serum aminotransaminase elevations secondary to intense resistance training and anabolic steroid-induced hepatotoxicity in elite bodybuilders. DESIGN This was a case-control study of serum chemistry profiles from bodybuilders using and not using anabolic steroids with comparisons to a cohort of medical students and patients with hepatitis. PARTICIPANTS The participants were bodybuilders taking self-directed regimens of anabolic steroids (n = 15) and bodybuilders not taking steroids (n = 10). Blood chemistry profiles from patients with viral hepatitis (n = 49) and exercising and nonexercising medical students (592) were used as controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The focus in blood chemistry profiles was aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), and creatine kinase (CK) levels. RESULTS In both groups of bodybuilders, CK, AST, and ALT were elevated, whereas GGT remained in the normal range. In contrast, patients with hepatitis had elevations of all three enzymes: ALT, AST, and GGT. Creatine kinase (CK) was elevated in all exercising groups. Patients with hepatitis were the only group in which a correlation was found between aminotransferases and GGT. CONCLUSION Prior reports of anabolic steroid-induced hepatotoxicity based on elevated aminotransferase levels may have been overstated, because no exercising subjects, including steroid users, demonstrated hepatic dysfunction based on GGT levels. Such reports may have misled the medical community to emphasize steroid-induced hepatotoxicity when interpreting elevated aminotransferase levels and disregard muscle damage. For these reasons, when evaluating hepatic function in cases of anabolic steroid therapy or abuse, CK and GGT levels should be considered in addition to ALT and AST levels as essential elements of the assessment.
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in the elderly

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was diagnosed in 22 patients above the age of 50 during a seven-year period. There was no female preponderance. Steroid therapy was effective, particularly in preventing hemorrhage and is considered to be the treatment of choice. Splenectomy may be less beneficial than in younger patients with ITP. Complications of the disease and its treatment are minimal.
Detection of Moving Object Using Remained Background under Moving Camera

A background is a part that does not vary too much or change frequently in an image sequence. Using this assumption, an algorithm of reconstructing remained background and detecting moving objects for static and also moving camera is presented. For generating background, we detect regions that have high correlation coefficient compared within prior pyramid images from the current image. These detected regions are used for two process. First, we calculate the temporal displacement vector of each detected regions and classify clusters of pixel intensity based on camera movement. Second, we calculate temporally principal displacement vector using histogram of displacement vectors. Temporally principal displacement vector indicates camera movement. Finally we eliminate clusters which have lower weight than threshold, and combine remained clusters for each pixel to generate multiple background clusters. Experimental results show that remained background model and detected moving object under camera moving.
Methadone: does it really have low efficacy at μ-opioid receptors?

There is confusion in the literature concerning the relative agonist efficacy of methadone at μ-opioid receptors (MOPrs). Here, we confirm that methadone is a full agonist in guanosine 5′-O-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP&ggr;S) binding studies. Methadone, however, seems to have low efficacy in studies of MOPr activation of G-protein-gated potassium (GIRK) channels, but this is because it directly inhibits the GIRK channels. Methadone also inhibits &agr;2-adrenoceptor-activated GIRK channels. Methadone is not a specific GIRK channel blocker. It also inhibits small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK2) channels. We conclude that methadone is a full agonist at MOPrs that, as we and others have shown, induces MOPr desensitization and internalization.
Is there a gender difference in the associations of birthweight and adult hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity?

OBJECTIVE Increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity in men of low birthweight may be an important link between early life and the adult metabolic syndrome. In animal models females are more sensitive than males to HPA axis programming, but whether gender influences susceptibility in humans is unknown. DESIGN Birth cohort study. METHODS We studied 106 women aged 67-78 years, from Hertfordshire, UK, in whom birthweight was recorded. Negative feedback sensitivity was assessed by an overnight low-dose (0.25 mg) dexa-methasone suppression test, and adrenal sensitivity by a low-dose (1 microg) ACTH(1 - 24) stimulation test. Cortisol and its metabolites were analysed in a 24 h urine collection. Data were compared with previously published identical measurements in 205 men aged 66-77 years from the same cohort. RESULTS In women, plasma cortisol levels after dexamethasone were lower (P < 0.0001) and peak cortisol following ACTH(1 - 24) were higher (P < 0.0001) than in men, suggesting a more responsive HPA axis. As in men, women with lower birthweight had enhanced plasma cortisol responses to ACTH(1 - 24) (P = 0.05 for trend) but no difference in plasma cortisol after dexamethasone or in urinary cortisol metabolite excretion. The strength of the association in women was not different from that in men; a 1 lb decrease in birthweight was associated with an incremental rise in cortisol of 12.6 nmol/l (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4, 23.8) in men, P = 0.03, and 14.8 nmol/l (95% CI -0.4, 29.9) in women, P = 0.05 (P = 0.82 for birthweight x gender interaction). In a combined analysis of men and women adjusted for gender (n = 302), a 1 lb decrease in birthweight was associated with a 13.4 nmol/l (95% CI 4.5, 22.4) greater incremental rise in plasma cortisol, P = 0.003. CONCLUSIONS Associations between lower birthweight and increased HPA axis activity are similar in men and women, supporting the hypothesis that HPA axis activation is an important mechanism underlying programming of adult disease.
Biofilm Formation by and Thermal Niche and Virulence Characteristics of Escherichia spp

ABSTRACT In order to better understand the ecological and virulence characteristics of the various clades of Escherichia, in vitro and in vivo experiments were undertaken. Members of the recently described cryptic clades of Escherichia (clades III, IV, and V) were found to have an enhanced ability to form biofilms compared to strains of Escherichia coli, E. fergusonii, or E. albertii. Members of the cryptic clades were also able to replicate at a lower temperature (5°C versus 11°C) than strains of the named species of Escherichia. Neither a strain's maximal growth rate nor its optimal temperature for growth varied with respect to the strain's phylogenetic affiliation. Escherichia strains not belonging to the species E. coli were positive for a mix of traits thought to enhance a strain's ability to cause either intestinal or extraintestinal disease. However, no non-E. coli Escherichia strain was virulent in a mouse model of extraintestinal infection. The frequency of resistance to antibiotics was low, and none of the strains tested harbored class 1, 2, or 3 integrons. The results of these experiments support the hypothesis that members of the cryptic Escherichia clades may be better able to persist in the external environment compared to E. coli, E. fergusonii, or E. albertii, isolates.
A sparse Set Membership approach to interval estimation of nonlinear functions and application to fault detection

In the paper, the problems of approximating an unknown function from data and deriving reliable interval estimates are first considered. An algorithm is proposed to solve these problems, based on a sparsification technique and a non-parametric Set Membership optimality analysis. Assuming that the noise affecting the data is bounded and that the unknown function satisfies a mild regularity assumption, it is shown that the algorithm provides an almost-optimal approximation (in a worst-case sense), and tight interval estimates are evaluated. An innovative approach to fault detection for nonlinear systems is then proposed, based on the derived interval estimates, overcoming some relevant problems proper of the standard techniques. The proposed algorithm is applied in a simulation study to solve the challenging problem of fault detection for a new class of wind energy generators, which use kites to capture the power from high-altitude winds.
The Importance of Sperm Limitation to the Evolution of Egg Size in Marine Invertebrates

Interspecific variation in egg size of marine invertebrates has been previously explained by a trade-off between gamete quality and quantity: the production of many small eggs with high mortality or fewer large eggs that develop quickly and experience reduced planktonic mortality. This theory assumes 100% fertilization of eggs and predicts that either strategy results in a similar number of settling offspring per unit of energy invested in reproduction. Empirical support for the theory has been equivocal. Here I offer an alternative hypothesis: larger eggs present a larger target for sperm and thus are fertilized at a higher rate. This theory suggests a trade-off between the production of many small eggs with a low probability of fertilization or fewer large eggs with a higher probability of fertilization. This hypothesis is tested with three congeneric sea urchins, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, Strongylocentrotus franciscanus, and Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, with a fivefold difference in egg volume. Species with larger eggs are fertilized at a higher rate and, if one assumes an equal allocation of resources, produce at least as many zygotes as species with smaller, more numerous eggs. This alternate hypothesis can explain continuous variation in egg size between species and provides a strong link between larval and adult life histories.
cient gradualism in intertemporal portfolios

This paper examines intertemporal portfolio plans under autocorrelation in asset returns, and considers whether these plans conform to the common advice that risky assets be bought gradually and then held in decreasing amounts as the investment horizon approaches. Given elliptical returns, optimal portfolio plans with precommitment must be mean}variance e$cient. Then, for ARMA (1, 1) parameterizations with negative autocorrelation, the age e! ect (gradual diminishing of risky holdings as the horizon approaches) is con"rmed, as is dollar-cost averaging (gradual entry into the risky asset) for su$ciently distant horizons. For a numerically analyzed alternative bivariate returns process, only the age e! ect is con"rmed. ( 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. JEL classixcation: G11 (primary); D81, D91 (secondary)
Histological characteristics of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a predominantly radiographic diagnosis and histological knowledge of DISH is limited. The aim of this study was to describe the histological characteristics of DISH in the spinal column and to study the relation between DISH and intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Therefore, 10 human cadaveric spines with fluoroscopic evidence of DISH were compared with 10 controls. Plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained and tissue blocks were resected from three predefined levels of all specimens. The microscopic sections were scored by two blinded observers using a newly developed scoring system specific for characteristics of DISH and a validated scoring system for IVD degeneration. Maximum IVD height was measured on the CT scans. Analyses were performed using Fisher's exact test and Student's t‐test. When compared to controls, the right sided sections from DISH specimens showed partial or complete bone bridges, consisting of cortical woven bone, accompanied by morphological changes in the adjoining part of the IVD. Using the histological scoring system for DISH, all parameters were significantly different between the DISH and control group (p < 0.01). The contralateral location did not show differences between the groups. The overall degree of IVD degeneration and height of IVD was comparable for the two groups. The histopathological changes observed in spines with DISH corresponded to the fluoroscopic images and CT scans. The degree of IVD degeneration and IVD height was comparable for both groups, suggesting a limited role for IVD degeneration in the pathogenesis of DISH. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:140–146, 2017.
Risk Factor Proportions in Israeli Patients With Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia 3 and Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective. To assess whether there is a difference in the proportion of known risk factors in Israeli women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3 compared with those with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) to explain the incidence discrepancy between the 2 entities. Materials and Methods. At admission, patients with histologically confirmed CIN 3 and SCC diagnosed between 1996 and 2006 filled out a prestructured questionnaire containing queries regarding the following variables: age, place of birth, origin (place of birth of parents), level of education, age at coitarche, number of partners, marital status, age at first pregnancy, number of pregnancies, number of children, type of contraception used, and smoking. A comparison of the proportion of these risk factors in patients with CIN 3 and SCC was performed. Results. No statistically significant difference between 41 CIN 3 and 69 SCC patients was found with regard to any of the risk factors assessed. Conclusion. The discrepancy between the frequency of CIN 3 and SCC in Israeli women cannot be explained by a difference in the proportion of the known risk factors.
Inhibition of Corneal Neovascularization by Subconjunctival and Topical Bevacizumab and Sunitinib in a Rabbit Model

Purpose: To compare the effects of subconjunctival injection and topical application of bevacizumab and sunitinib on experimentally induced corneal neovascularization (CNV). Methods: CNV was induced by sutures in the right eyes of 36 rabbits. After suture removal, the rabbits were divided into 6 groups with 6 rabbits in each group. In groups 1, 2, and 3, the eyes received a subconjunctival injection of 0.1 mL of normal saline, 2.5 mg/0.1 mL of bevacizumab, and 0.25 mg/0.1 mL of sunitinib, respectively, immediately after suture removal. A booster injection of the same agent was repeated 1 week later in each group. In groups 4, 5, and 6, the eyes received topical applications of saline, bevacizumab (5 mg/mL), and sunitinib (0.5 mg/mL), respectively. These solutions were applied twice a day for 2 weeks, starting immediately after suture removal. CNV was analyzed through biomicroscopy and through histological examination using hematoxylin and eosin and CD31 immunohistochemical staining. Results: On day 14, the mean percentages of areas of CNV in sunitinib-treated eyes were smaller compared with saline-treated or bevacizumab-treated eyes in both the subconjunctival (P = 0.003 and 0.032, respectively) and topical groups (P < 0.001 in both). The topical administration of sunitinib was significantly more effective than the subconjunctival injection of the same drug at 1 week (P = 0.011). Upon histological examination of samples from the topical group, sunitinib-treated eyes showed lower vascularity than saline-treated and bevacizumab-treated eyes (P = 0.036 and 0.046, respectively). Conclusions: These results suggest that sunitinib is more effective than bevacizumab for the inhibition of CNV. Furthermore, topical administration of sunitinib yields better results than a subconjunctival injection of the same medication.
Inducible clindamycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from clinical samples.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is commensal flora but it can lead minor skin infections to life threatening conditions such as endocarditis, pneumonia and septicemia. Spread of multi drug resistance MRSA, therapeutic options become severely limited. Clindamycin can be an alternative option for use in the increasing drug resistance among the staphylococci. However, resistance to clindamycin can be missed in the laboratory, unless look specially thus necessitating the need to detect such resistance by a simple D test on routine basis. Objectives: To find clindamycin resistance among clinical isolates of S aureus by disk-approximation test (D-test) and to establish methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates and its relationship with inducible clindamycin resistance. Materials and Methods: S. aureus isolated from various clinical specimens in microbiology unit BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences hospital, Nepal from 8 th March 2012 to 10 th September 2012 was studied. Isolation and identification of organism was done by standard microbiological technique. S aureus resistant to erythromycin Kirby Baur disk diffusion test and phenotypic expression on inducible resistance was assessed using D-test. Results : Among 300 S. aureus 41% were methicillin resistant. MRSA demonstrated 11.6% constitutive MLSBc. D test positive inducible resistance (MLSBi) found to be 24.59% and (22.4%) were MS type among MRSA isolates. Conclusion: It was found 11.6% of isolates were inducible resistance to clindamycin, thus highlighting, whenever clindamycin is intended to be used for S. aureus infections, D-test should be performed to facilitate the appropriate treatment of patients.