Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Mutations in the S Gene of Hepatitis B Virus Strains in Patients with Chronic Infection by Online Bioinformatics Tools

ABSTRACT Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genomes show a high rate of mutations. This can lead to a variety of amino acid changes in the surface and polymerase genes, causing changes in viral protein conformation that can result in diminished antibody binding or decreased secretion of surface antigen (HBsAg). HBV monitoring increasingly relies on HBsAg detection and quantification, and therefore epidemiological data on HBsAg mutations are needed. We therefore analyzed the frequency of HBsAg mutations possibly influencing the quantification of HBsAg (MUPIQHs) in an unselected patient collective. To this end, we determined the HBV surface and polymerase gene sequences of an unselected patient collective of 237 individuals chronically infected with HBV and analyzed the MUPIQHs in these sequences using three different online HBV sequence analysis tools. We found that 17 or 34% of the patients, depending on the online interpretation algorithm used, harbored MUPIQHs and that MUPIQHs were not significantly associated with the duration of disease, treatment, or HBV genotype. Thus, this study shows that a substantial amount of HBV sequences derived from unselected patients chronically infected with HBV carry MUPIQHs, and therefore the reliability of routine quantitative and qualitative HBsAg tests needs to be reevaluated.
Effects of Heating Oil on the Count of Microorganisms and Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil

The aim of our experiment was to determine the effect of heating oil application on the count of microorganisms and some physico-chemical properties of limed and lime-free soil and soil sown with yellow lupine of the Markiz variety and unsown soil. The results obtained indicate that heating oil deteriorated the physico-chemical properties of the experimental soil (acidification, decrease in the total alkaline exchangeable cations, soil exchange capacity and alkaline cation soil saturation). At the same time, it stimulated, to a different degree, the multiplication of soil microorganisms, especially oligotrophic bacteria (10-fold) and bacteria representing the genera of Pseudomonas spp. (8-fold). Lime application and cultivation of yellow lupine had a positive effect on the physico-chemical properties of soil and stimulated the growth of Azotobacter spp.
Inhibition of Nox‐4 activity by plumbagin, a plant‐derived bioactive naphthoquinone

NAD(P)H oxidase contributes to the pathogenesis of cancer and cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, restenosis, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Plumbagin, a plant‐derived naphthoquinone, has been shown to exert anticarcinogenic and anti‐atherosclerosis effects in animals. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown. It is possible that the beneficial effect of plumbagin is due to the inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase. Human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) and brain tumour LN229 cells express mainly Nox‐4, a renal NAD(P)H oxidase. We have examined the effect of plumbagin on Nox‐4 activity in HEK293 and LN229 cells using lucigenin‐dependent chemiluminescence assay. Plumbagin inhibited the activity of Nox‐4 in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner in HEK293 and LN229 cells. Production of superoxide in HEK293 cells was inhibited by diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), a NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor. The superoxide production in HEK293 cells was NADPH‐ and NADH‐dependent indicating that the superoxide was generated by a NAD(P)H oxidase in HEK293 cells, but not by the redox‐cycling of lucigenin. Furthermore, plumbagin inhibited the superoxide production in Nox‐4 transfected COS‐7 cells. These results indicated that plumbagin directly interacted with Nox‐4 and inhibited its activity.
The Gauss-Bonnet-Chern Theorem on Riemannian Manifolds

This expository paper contains a detailed introduction to some important works concerning the Gauss-Bonnet-Chern theorem. The study of this theorem has a long history dating back to Gauss's Theorema Egregium (Latin: Remarkable Theorem) and culminated in Chern's groundbreaking work [14] in 1944, which is a deep and wonderful application of Elie Cartan's formalism. The idea and tools in [14] have a great generalization and continue to produce important results till today. In this paper, we give four different proofs of the Gauss-Bonnet-Chern theorem on Riemannian manifolds, namely Chern's simple intrinsic proof, a topological proof, Mathai-Quillen's Thom form proof and McKean-Singer-Patodi's heat equation proof. These proofs are related with remarkable developments in differential geometry such as the Chern-Weil theory, theory of characteristic classes, Mathai-Quillen's formalism and the Atiyah-Singer index theorem. It is through these brilliant achievements the great importance and influence of Chern's insights and ideas are shown. Our purpose here is to use the Gauss- Bonnet-Chern theorem as a guide to expose the reader to some advanced topics in modern differential geometry.
A New Achievable Rate Region for the Gaussian Two-Way Relay Channel via Hybrid Broadcast Protocol

In this letter, we study the Gaussian two-way relay channel (GTWRC) with a direct link in which two nodes want to exchange information with each other with the help of a relay node in the presence of a direct link between two nodes. Specially, we focus on a protocol with four phases, which is called the hybrid broadcast (HBC) protocol. In the HBC protocol, sequential transmissions from both users are followed by a transmission from the relay. Using nested lattice codes, we obtain a new achievable rate region for this protocol. In fact, utilizing a four-stage lattice partition chain, we introduce an intermediate lattice in our lattice-based coding scheme, and by using it, we split the codebook of each node judiciously into two parts. This enables us to decode a linear combination of lattice codewords partially at the relay. Using our proposed strategy, we show that the achievable rate region is superior to the obtained achievable rate region by Kim, Mitran, and Tarokh.
Clinical Application of 3.0 T Proton MR Spectroscopy in Evaluation of Pancreatic Diseases

Objective To study the usefulness of 3.0 T 1H-MRS in diagnosis of pancreatic diseases.Materials and Methods Pancreas spectroscopies of 70 subjects were acquired by single voxel PRESS sequence on 3.0 T MR scanner.The subjects included normal pancreas(n= 25),acute pancreatitis(n= 15),chronic pancreatitis(n= 10) and pancreatic cancer(n= 20). The spectral appearances were analyzed,and metabolites visibility rates between pancreatic cancer and non cancer group were compared.The ratio of cholesterol and the olefinic region of fatty acids(Chol+Unsat) peak height to lipid(Lip) peak height(Chol+Unsat/Lip) was calculated in each 1H-MRS,and a ROC analysis was performed between the ratios of two groups.Results There were three major resonance peaks in the spectra,i.e.,Lip,Chol+Unsat,and choline.The mean value of Chol+Unsat/Lip in 1H-MRS was 0.199±0.095 for non cancer group,0.325±0.187 for pancreatic cancer group.Statistically significant difference was found in the values of Chol+Unsat/Lip ratios between cancer and non cancer group(t= 2.855,P= 0.009). The area under the ROC curve was 0.72(P= 0.005). With ROC cut point setting to 0.295,the diagnostic sensitivity,specificity,accuracy for pancreatic cancer were 55 %,86 %,77 %,respectively.Conclusion 1H-MRS of pancreatic cancer has a higher ratio of Chol+Unsat/Lip,and this may be useful in differentiating pancreatic cancer from other pancreatic diseases.
New Insights, Future Directions in Primary Cutaneous Lymphoproliferative Disorders

The spectrum of CD30+ lymphoproliferative diseases of the skin includes CD30+ cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma, lymphomatoid papulosis, as well as borderline cases. These entities constitute the second most common group of cutaneous lymphomas according to the newly revised World Health Organization and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer consensus classification. Recent progress in immune and molecular biology, and identification of therapeutic targets have increased our understanding of these diseases and have led to novel treatment approaches. This review will provide an update on recent findings of immunologic, molecular, cytogenetic features and treatment strategies for patients with CD30+ lympho-proliferative diseases.
Reduced ADAMTS13 activity is associated with thrombotic risk in systemic lupus erythematosus

Background: Severe deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity leads to von Willebrand factor (VWF) ultralarge multimers with high affinity for platelets, causing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Other pathological conditions with moderate ADAMTS13 activity exhibit a thrombotic risk. We examined the ADAMTS13 activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its value as a thrombotic biomarker. Methods: ADAMTS13 activity, VWF antigen and multimeric structure, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) were measured in plasma samples from 50 SLE patients and 50 healthy donors. Disease activity (systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index; SLEDAI) and organ damage (systemic lupus international collaborating clinics) scores, thrombotic events, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) were registered. Results: SLE patients showed decreased ADAMTS13 activity and high VWF levels compared with controls (66 ± 27% vs. 101 ± 8%, P < 0.01, and 325 ± 151% vs. 81 ± 14%, P < 0.001). VCAM-1 levels were higher in SLE patients (P < 0.05). Considering three groups of SLE patients depending on ADAMTS13 activity (>60%, 60–40% and <40%), comparative analysis showed significant association between ADAMTS13 activity and SLEDAI (P < 0.05), presence of aPLs (P < 0.001), APS (P < 0.01) and thrombotic events (P < 0.01). Reduced ADAMTS13 activity together with increased VWF levels were especially notable in patients with active disease and with aPLs. Conclusion: ADAMTS13 activity, in combination with other laboratory parameters, could constitute a potential prognostic biomarker of thrombotic risk in SLE.
High expression of CRAM correlates with poor prognosis in patients with cervical carcinoma.

AIMS Atypical chemokine receptors (ACRs) have been reported to scavenge or alter the localization of their chemokine ligands. However, CRAM, a newly identified ACR member, is lack of ligand scavenging properties. The present study was to investigate the clinical significance of CRAM in cervical carcinoma. METHODS The expression of CRAM in primary cervical cancer and paired normal tissues from adjacent regions was examined using Real time PCR. Moreover, CRAM protein expression was analyzed in 272 cervical specimens including 50 normal cervical tissues, 40 cases of carcinoma in situ of cervix (CIS), and 182 cases of cervical cancer by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Real time PCR showed that the expression level of CRAM was markedly higher in cervical cancer than that in normal cervical tissues. The expression rate of CRAM in normal cervical tissues, CIS, and cervical cancer increased gradually (p < 0.01). In addition, the expression level of CCL19 was positively associated with that of CRAM (p < 0.05). Moreover, high expression level of CRAM was correlated with lymph node metastasis and histological subtype. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, high expression level of CRAM was a negative indicator for both overall (p = 0.028) and recurrence-free survival (p = 0.010). CONCLUSION The present study suggested that CRAM could be a clinical prognostic marker for patients with cervical cancer and might be a potential therapeutic target for cervical cancer. Our data extended previous research on the predictive value of ACRs.
Familial complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (Morris syndrome or testicular feminization syndrome) in 2 sisters.

OVERVIEWDiagnoses: Familial complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (Morris syndrome or testicular feminization syndrome). Case ID and referral sources: Case 1. Bisceglia's contribution: AMR Seminar no. 48, case 3A. Contributor's file no. 95357-5. Case 2. Bisceglia's contribution: AMR Se
Genetics of Neurofibromatosis 1-Associated Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors

Neurofibromatosis 1, an inherited disorder that affects 1/3500 individuals worldwide, predisposes to the development of benign and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. The disorder results from inactivation of one of the NFI genes. The second NFI gene is typically inactivated in Schwann cells during tumor formation. This article reviews the different types of genetic alterations in NFI in both constitutional and tumor tissues and genetic alterations of other genes that may affect tumorigenesis. These studies have provided insight into the genetic basis of both the variable expression of the disorder and of benign and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumorigenesis.
Clinical and Pathophysiological Overview of Acinetobacter Infections: a Century of Challenges

SUMMARY Acinetobacter is a complex genus, and historically, there has been confusion about the existence of multiple species. The species commonly cause nosocomial infections, predominantly aspiration pneumonia and catheter-associated bacteremia, but can also cause soft tissue and urinary tract infections. Community-acquired infections by Acinetobacter spp. are increasingly reported. Transmission of Acinetobacter and subsequent disease is facilitated by the organism's environmental tenacity, resistance to desiccation, and evasion of host immunity. The virulence properties demonstrated by Acinetobacter spp. primarily stem from evasion of rapid clearance by the innate immune system, effectively enabling high bacterial density that triggers lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated sepsis. Capsular polysaccharide is a critical virulence factor that enables immune evasion, while LPS triggers septic shock. However, the primary driver of clinical outcome is antibiotic resistance. Administration of initially effective therapy is key to improving survival, reducing 30-day mortality threefold. Regrettably, due to the high frequency of this organism having an extreme drug resistance (XDR) phenotype, early initiation of effective therapy is a major clinical challenge. Given its high rate of antibiotic resistance and abysmal outcomes (up to 70% mortality rate from infections caused by XDR strains in some case series), new preventative and therapeutic options for Acinetobacter spp. are desperately needed.
Système Sibylle d'aide à la communication pour personnes handicapées : modèle linguistique et interface utilisateur

Cet article est consacre a une description complete du systeme SIBYLLE d'aide a la communication qui est developpe conjointement par les laboratoires LI et VALORIA. Cet article decrit a la fois le module de prediction linguistique qui repose sur des modeles de langage avances, et l'interface utilisateur qui a ete developpee pour prendre en compte les besoins reels des utilisateurs tels qu ils ont ete definis avec le centre de reeducation fonctionnelle de Kerpape. Les performances du systeme sont presentees, de meme que l integration de SIBYLLE dans le projet francophone ESACIMC d analyse des usages reels des communicateurs.
Comparison of injury during cadet basic training by gender.

OBJECTIVES To describe the rate and distribution of injuries during basic training in male and female cadets and to assess the contribution of pretraining conditioning and height to the male-female differential in injuries. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING The US Military Academy, West Point, NY. PARTICIPANTS A total of 558 cadets from the class of 1995 at the US Military Academy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The rate of injuries resulting in 1 or more days excused from physical activities per 100 cadets and the rate of injuries resulting in hospitalization of 1 night or longer per 100 cadets. RESULTS Women had 2.5 times the rate of injuries as men and 3.9 times the rate of injuries resulting in hospitalization. Women had significantly more stress fractures and stress reactions than men. The median number of days excused from physical activities for women's injuries was significantly higher than that from men's injuries. Pretraining conditioning, measured by performance on a 2-mile (3.2-km) run, accounted for approximately half the difference in rates of injuries between men and women; differences in height among men and women did not account for differences in injury rates. CONCLUSIONS The women had a higher risk for injury during military training than men. Increased pretraining conditioning may substantially decrease the risk for injury.
POSTOPERATIVE COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND POSTOPERATIVE DELIRIUM: RISK FACTORS, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

Postoperative cognitive impairment and postoperative delirium: risk factors, pathophysiology and management Soilemezi E, Konstantinidis P, Georgiadou Th. A significant number of patients exhibit impairment in cognitive function immediately following surgery or later; the impact of this postoperative cognitive dysfunction on the recovery and quality of life of the patient but also on the necessity for supportive and rehabilitation care is important. Risk factors for postoperative cognitive impairment and postoperative delirium have been described and it is these groups of patients that require early identification and careful follow up to avoid complications in postoperative care. Central nervous system complications continue to be major causes of morbidity and mortality especially after cardiac surgery, and there is a growing interest in literature in the evaluation of the effects of on pump and off pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery on postoperative cognitive impairment. Despite several recent attempts, no gold standard treatment has been devised for postoperative cognitive impairment; however, the potential beneficial role of some pharmacological agents is currently examined. There is also fascinating research evolving with regard to the pathophysiologic mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction; it seems possible that the central nervous system responsiveness to systemic inflammatory mediators augments injury from perioperative neurological insults.
The Use of Stereotaxic Core Biopsy and Stereotaxic Aspiration Biopsy as Diagnostic Tools in the Evaluation of Mammary Calcification

Abstract: We compared stereotaxic fine needle aspiration biopsy (SFNA) with stereotaxic core needle biopsy (SCB) in the evaluation of radiographically clustered mammary microcalcification, a common finding at screening mammography. Over a 4‐year period, 181 specimens were obtained from 175 patients who underwent both SFNA and SCB of clustered microcalcification. Aspiration and core biopsies were performed by radiologists at a community‐based diagnostic radiology facility. All aspiration smears were air dried, stained on site, and assessed for adequacy by the radiologists, then sent to the cytopathologists at New York University for interpretation. Core biopsy specimens were formalin fixed, paraffin embedded, hematoxylin and eosin stained, and interpreted by surgical pathologists at a community hospital. Of 181 SFNA specimens, 133 (74%) were benign, 18 (10%) were atypical, 13 (7%) were suspicious, and 16 (9%) were malignant. One (0.5%) aspiration biopsy was nondiagnostic. Excisional biopsies were performed after 12 benign SFNAs and in 46 of the 47 cases with an atypical, suspicious, or malignant diagnosis on SFNA. Mammographic follow‐up in 111 of the 133 cases (92%) diagnosed as benign showed no radiologic change (mean 29.2 months, range 6–60 months). The false‐negative rate for cancer was 4% (6 cases) for SFNA alone. There were no false‐positive diagnoses for SFNA. There was one false‐positive diagnosis on core biopsy [focal cribriform ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)], which at excisional biopsy and correlation with the core biopsy was diagnosed as ductal hyperplasia; the false‐negative rate for cancer was 8% (13 cases) for SCB alone. Aspiration biopsy identified calcification in 180 procedures, core needle biopsy revealed calcification in 170. SFNA was superior to SCB for the confirmation of clustered mammary microcalcification (99% versus 94%) and in the identification of cancer associated with microcalcification (false negative rate of 4% versus 8%). Patients with benign findings on stereotaxic aspiration and core biopsy can reasonably be followed mammographically.
Comparison of Five Media for Detection of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase by Use of the Wasp Instrument for Automated Specimen Processing

ABSTRACT Overall, 2,337 rectal screening samples (RSSs) were seeded by using the Wasp instrument for automated microbiological processing with five media for detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL): CHROMagar, ChromID, Brilliance, BD Drigalski, and HEGP media. Of 354 RSSs harboring ESBL-producing isolates, 89.3% were found to be positive on all media. Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 95.5 to 98.3% and from 57.9 to 72.3%, respectively. No medium was perfectly ESBL selective, and non-ESBL-producing strains were mainly Enterobacteriaceae overproducing AmpC β-lactamase and nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli, mostly Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Psychometric Properties of the Death Anxiety Scale (DAS) Among Terminally Ill Cancer Patients

Research conducted with the terminally ill population in relation to death anxiety is rare and mostly outdated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the widely used Death Anxiety Scale (DAS) on a sample of terminal cancer patients. Additionally, validation studies of the DAS have exclusively used traditional statistical methods for analysis. The current study utilized an item response theory technique (IRT), namely the Rasch Rating Scale model for data analysis. The methodology employed may be useful for other researchers conducting validation studies from an IRT perspective.
Melatonin inhibits cell growth and migration, but promotes apoptosis in gastric cancer cell line, SGC7901

Abstract The pineal hormone, melatonin (MLT), has been shown to have therapeutic effects in patients with gastric cancer; however, the mechanisms for the anti-cancer effects are unknown. We investigated the effects of melatonin on cell proliferation, apoptosis, colony formation and cell migration in the gastric adenocarcinoma cell line, SGC7901, using MTT assay, Hoechst 33258 staining, flow cytometry, western blot, caspase-3 activity assay, soft agar colony formation assay, and scratch-wound assay. Our results showed that melatonin could inhibit cell proliferation, colony formation and migration efficiency, and it promoted apoptosis of SGC7901 cells. Our findings suggest that the anti-cancer effects of melatonin may be due to both inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and reduction of the metastatic potential of tumor cells.