Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetically determined mannan-binding lectin deficiency is of minor importance in determining susceptibility to severe infections and vascular organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus

Deficiency of mannan-binding lectin (MBL) has been reported to impact susceptibility to severe infections and atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, MBL gene polymorphisms were analysed in 143 SLE patients and the frequency of severe infections and organ damage according to SLICC/ACR Damage Index regarding cerebrovascular accidents, angina pectoris, coronary by-pass surgery, myocardial infarction and peripheral arterial disease leading to significant tissue loss, were recorded during a mean follow-up time of 15 years from diagnosis. In a multiple logistic regression model, smoking (P = 0.001), hypertension (P = 0.030), alcohol intake (P = 0.027) and higher triglyceride concentration (P = 0.026) were associated with cerebrovascular, cardiovascular and peripheral arterial organ damage (CPAD), while the association with MBL deficiency did not reach significance (P = 0.098). Alcohol intake (>15 g/month) was inversely correlated with CPAD (OR = 0.29, 95%CI 0.096—0.87). MBL deficiency was not significantly more common in SLE patients with severe infections in a multivariate analysis (P > 0.3). In conclusion, classical risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, low alcohol intake and elevated triglyceride concentration were relatively more important for development of CPAD than MBL deficiency in SLE. Furthermore, MBL deficiency did not contribute to development of major infections in SLE. Lupus (2007) 16, 245—253.
Modal Analysis of Microstrip Lines Using Singular Value Decomposition Analysis of FDTD Simulations

A comprehensive modal analysis of microstrip circuits using the singular value decomposition analysis of finite-difference time-domain simulation results has been performed. The detailed information have revealed new physical features, which are, to our best knowledge, seen for the first time. This realistic approach includes the 3-D configuration of structures and the full-wave electromagnetic properties. Increasing the aspect ratio of a continuous microstrip line strengthens the fundamental transverse electromagnetic mode and weakens the higher order transverse magnetic modes. However, the introduction of gap discontinuity in the line enhances the mode strength in the vicinity of the gap. The physical interpretations of these results have been discussed in the paper. Moreover, the effects of line topology on the evolution of modes are illustrated. This investigation has physical significance in the practical design of high-speed interconnects and system-on-chip.
Method development and validation of chlordiazepoxide and amitryptyline hydrochloride in pharmaceutical formulations by RP-HPLC

A simple, precise and rapid, reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method is developed for simultaneous determination of chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline hydrochloride in tablet dosage forms. The HPLC conditions used are methanol: acetonitrile (75:25 v/v) mobile phase, Zodiac C18 column (250mm x 4.6mm x 5μm), pump pressure (9.5 MPa) and detection wavelength (221 nm). The measured elution times are 4.87±0.02 minutes for chlordiazepoxide and 7.38±0.02 minutes for amitriptyline hydrochloride, respectively. The method is validated for linearity range, recovery, robustness and sensitivity. Linearity is demonstrated for chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline hydrochloride in the range 5-30 μg/mL (r2 = 0.9998) and 15-75 μg/ml (r2 = 0.9997). The mean recoveries ranged from 98.81-100.63% and 98.97-101.33% and the limit of detections (LOD) are 0.15 μg/ml and 0.5 μg/ml for chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline hydrochloride, respectively. The proposed method proved to be specific, robust and accurate and has good signal to noise ratio with well resolved peaks for unambiguous determination of chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline hydrochloride combination and in tablet dosage form.
Review of child and adolescent refugee mental health.

OBJECTIVE To review stressful experiences and stress reactions among child and adolescent refugees, as well as interventions and ethical considerations in research and clinical work, within the framework of the chronological experiences of child refugees; namely, the phases of preflight, flight, and resettlement. Highlighted are special refugee populations such as unaccompanied minors, asylum seekers, and former child soldiers. Pertinent medical findings are summarized. METHOD The authors reviewed articles from 1990 to 2003 addressing the topics above. Literature was gathered from databases including PsycINFO, Medline, and SocioFile. Pertinent earlier papers and those from other disciplines cited in database-identified articles were also included. RESULTS Child and adolescent refugees suffer from significant conflict-related exposures. Reactions to stress may be mediated by coping strategies, belief systems, and social relations. CONCLUSIONS More research is needed on interventions, specifically on efficacy and cultural relevance. Interventions that have an impact on multiple ecological levels need further development and evaluation.
A Randomized Comparison of Four Incisions for Orbital Fractures

We previously compared conjunctival and subciliary incisions for exposure of orbital floor and infraorbital rim fractures. A prospective randomized comparison of lower eyelid and orbital rim incisions was then undertaken and results compared with our previous study. Lower eyelid and orbital rim incisions provided more rapid access to fracture sites. Fracture exposure was adequate with all but conjunctival incisions; lateral canthotomy was added in 56 percent of cases to improve exposure. There were minimal or no intraoperative and postoperative complications except for a 42 percent incidence of ectropion following subciliary incisions. Scar appearance was similar in the four groups, except when an isolated conjunctival incision was used, which produced an invisible scar.
RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM FINDINGS IN PATIENTS WITH ALBINISM USING WIDE-FIELD POLARIZATION-SENSITIVE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY

Purpose: To investigate pigmentation characteristics of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in patients with albinism using wide-field polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography compared with intensity-based spectral domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence imaging. Methods: Five patients (10 eyes) with previously genetically diagnosed albinism and 5 healthy control subjects (10 eyes) were imaged by a wide-field polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography system (scan angle: 40 × 40° on the retina), sensitive to melanin contained in the RPE, based on the polarization state of backscattered light. Conventional intensity-based spectral domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence examinations were performed. Retinal pigment epithelium-pigmentation was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively based on depolarization assessed by polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography. Results: This study revealed strong evidence of polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography to specifically image melanin in the RPE. Depolarization of light backscattered by the RPE in patients with albinism was reduced compared with normal subjects. Heterogeneous RPE-specific depolarization characteristics were observed in patients with albinism. Reduction of depolarization observed in the light backscattered by the RPE in patients with albinism corresponds to expected decrease of RPE pigmentation. The degree of depigmentation of the RPE is possibly associated with visual acuity. Findings suggest that different albinism genotypes result in heterogeneous levels of RPE pigmentation. Conclusion: Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography showed a heterogeneous appearance of RPE pigmentation in patients with albinism depending on different genotypes.
Near-infrared Measurement of Cerebral Oxygenation: Correlation with Electroencephalographic Ischemia during Ventricular Fibrillation

Background The application of phase-modulated near-infrared techniques for measurement of the oxygen saturation of cerebral tissue requires both validation by conventional measures of cerebral oxygenation and determination of normal and abnormal values. This study was undertaken to validate phase-modulated near-infrared measurements of cerebral oxygen saturation by comparing them with electroencephalographic evidence of cerebral ischemia during implantation of cardioverting defibrillators. This comparison also yields an estimate of the ischemic threshold as measured with near-infrared techniques.
Ozonoterapia en la Insuficiencia Cardiaca Crónica

Introduccion: La insuficiencia cardiaca representa el estado terminal de la cardiopatia isquemica, valvular, hipertensiva y de otras enfermedades cardiacas, habiendose convertido en un problema asistencial de primera magnitud en los paises desarrollados, haciendo de este sindrome una de las epidemias cardiovasculares del siglo XXI, ya que a pesar de todos los avances cientificos los tratamientos actuales no son suficientes para el control y prevencion de esta enfermedad. Objetivo : Determinar el efecto de la ozonoterapia en la insuficiencia cardiaca cronica. Metodo : se realizo un estudio en un total de 30 pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca cronica izquierda con trastorno sistolico ventricular grado II y III segun la definicion de la Asociacion del Corazon de Nueva York, que acudieron a la consulta de la seccion de insuficiencia cardiaca del Departamento de Trasplante del Corazon y Servicio de Cirugia Cardiovascular en el Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras, en Ciudad de la Habana, Cuba, en el periodo comprendido desde enero de 2010 hasta diciembre de 2012, la muestra se dividio en dos grupos de 15 pacientes cada uno, un grupo estudio que fue tratado con 32 aplicaciones de autohemoterapia mayor con ozono, dos veces a la semana , como coadyuvante de la terapia convencional y un grupo control en el que solo se uso el tratamiento convencional. Los parametros evaluados fueron, Calidad de Vida por EUROQOL-5 D, la Clase Funcional de la NYHA, Consumo de oxigeno por prueba ergometrica y la Fraccion de Eyeccion calculado por ecocardiografia. Las evaluaciones se realizaron antes y despues de los tratamientos. Resultados : Los resultados fueron comparados mediante el test de Fisher con el metodo estadistico Fisher's Exact Test for Count Data y por calculos de los intervalos de confianza para proporciones, comprobandose que el grupo tratado con ozono tuvo una respuesta mejor que el grupo control en todos los parametros evaluados y no se presentaron eventos adversos durante los tratamientos. Conclusiones : La autohemoterapia mayor con ozono resulto util, beneficiosa y segura como coadyuvante en el tratamiento de la insuficiencia cardiaca cronica izquierda con trastorno sistolico ventricular grado II y III segun la definicion de la Asociacion del Corazon de Nueva York
Intracranial Hemorrhage in Patients with Hematologic Disorders: Prevalence and Predictive Factors.

BACKGROUND Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is an uncommon complication in patients with hematologic disorders although high fatality rates have been shown in these patients. At present, no epidemiological data regarding ICH in patients with hematologic disorders has been collected and/or reported in Thailand. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of ICH in hospitalized patients with hematologic disorders and to identify predictive factors associated with ICH in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD The medical records of all patients with hematologic disorders admitted to Siriraj Hospital (Bangkok, Thailand) between January 2002 and September 2011 were reviewed. Patients with ICH were identified and factors associated with ICH were investigated using a retrospective case-control design. RESULTS Of 9,62 patients identified with hematologic disorders, ICH was diagnosed in 106 (1.1%). The ICH rate was higher in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients than in patients with other hematologic malignancies (4.29% vs. 0.78%; p<0. 001) and higher in aplastic anemia (AA) patients than in patients with other benign hematologic disorders (4.00% vs. 0.97%; p<0.001). Cortical hemorrhage was the main presentation in all hematologic disorders, with a single lesion in the parietal area as the most common site. The overall mortality rate was 85% with most patients succumbing within two days of onset. The independent predictors of ICH were hyperleukocytosis and a low platelet count in AML patients, and ecchymosis, upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hematuria, and a low platelet count in AA patients. CONCLUSION AML and AA patients had the highest risk of ICH compared with other hematologic disorders and several predictive factors for ICH were identified.
The use of CORDIC in software defined radios: a tutorial

CORDIC is a versatile algorithm widely used for VLSI implementation of digital signal processing applications. This article presents a tutorial of how to use CORDIC to implement different communication subsystems that can be found in a software defined radio. Specifically, it shows how to use CORDIC to implement direct digital synthesizers, AM, PM, and FM analog modulators and ASK, PSK and FSK modulators, up-/down-converters of in-phase and quadrature signals, full mixers for complex signals, and phase detection for synchronizers. The article also shows some tricks to efficiently implement the algorithm
A New Paradigm: The African Early Iron Age without Bantu Migrations1

Between 1000 BC and AD 1000, or so the story goes, sub-Saharan Africa was the setting for one of the all-time great population movements of antiquity—the Bantu migrations. Sweeping to and fro across the continent in a kind of grand migrationary gavotte, absorbing or brushing aside the autochthonous hunter-gatherers, the ancestral Bantu speakers carried with them on their march the seeds of a settled life fueled by food production and iron technology. Their movements are represented by large arrows scything across big blank maps of the African interior. How good is the evidence that any of it ever happened? In this paper we shall examine some of the serious methodological and practical problems that bedevil the migrationary model. We shall also present an alternative model for the prehistory of sub-Saharan Africa: in brief, that the development of the Early Iron Age in Africa was a process rather than an event; that autochthonous populations gradually adopted the suite of traits that define the Early Iron Age, without any large-scale movement of peoples; and that increasing sedentarization actually led to a population decline which was only overcome after AD 500. The model constitutes a new paradigm that emphasizes continuity and takes into account a few observations that are awkward for the migrationary paradigm: that sub-Saharan Africa has a difficult topography that may put certain constraints on population movements, and that the continent was slowly filling up on its own when events starting in the sixteenth century turned the autochthonous peoples' lives upside down.
Fluoride in drinking water and cancer mortality in Taiwan.

The possibility that cancer risk is associated with naturally fluoridated water in Taiwan is examined. The 1982-1991 age-adjusted mortality rates for cancer for 10 municipalities whose water supplies contained the highest naturally occurring fluoride concentrations in Taiwan were compared to those rates for 10 matched municipalities with unfluoridated water. The two groups had similar urbanization levels and sociodemographic characteristics. Our study does not support the suggestion that fluoridation of water supplies is associated with an increase in cancer mortality in Taiwan.
Loss of Runx2 in Committed Osteoblasts Impairs Postnatal Skeletogenesis

The Runx2 transcription factor is critical for commitment to the osteoblast lineage. However, its role in committed osteoblasts and its functions during postnatal skeletogenesis remain unclear. We established a Runx2‐floxed line with insertion of loxP sites around exon 8 of the Runx2 gene. The Runx2 protein lacking the region encoded by exon 8 is imported into the nucleus and binds target DNA but exhibits diminished transcriptional activity. We specifically deleted the Runx2 gene in committed osteoblasts using 2.3‐kb col1a‐Cre transgenic mice. Surprisingly, the homozygous Runx2 mutant mice were born alive. The Runx2 heterozygous and homozygous null were grossly indistinguishable from wild‐type littermates at birth. Runx2 deficiency did not alter proliferative capacity of osteoblasts during embryonic development (E18). Chondrocyte differentiation and cartilage growth in mutants was similar to wild‐type mice from birth to 3 months of age. Analysis of the embryonic skeleton revealed poor calcification in homozygous mutants, which was more evident in bones formed by intramembranous ossification. Runx2 mutants showed progressive retardation in postnatal growth and exhibited significantly low bone mass by 1 month of age. Decreased bone formation was associated with decreased gene expression of osteoblast markers and impaired collagen assembly in the extracellular matrix. Consequently, Runx2 mutant bones exhibited decreased stiffness and structural integrity. By 3 months of age, bone acquisition in mutant mice was roughly half that of wild‐type littermates. In addition to impaired osteoblast function, mutant mice showed markedly decreased osteoclast number and postnatal bone resorption. Taken together, functional deficiency of Runx2 in osteoblasts does not result in failed embryonic skeletogenesis but disrupts postnatal bone formation. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Toxicity and immunogenicity of Neisseria meningitidis lipopolysaccharide incorporated into liposomes

To obtain nontoxic and highly immunogenic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for immunization, we incorporated Neisseria meningitidis LPS into liposomes. Native LPS and its salts were incorporated by the method of dehydration-rehydration of vesicles or prolonged cosonication. The most complete incorporation of LPS into liposomes and a decrease in toxicity were achieved by the method of dehydration-rehydration of vesicles. Three forms of LPS (H+ form, Mg2+ salt, and triethanolamine salt) showed different solubilities in water, the acidic form of LPS, with the most pronounced hydrophobic properties, being capable of practically complete association with liposomal membranes. An evaluation of the activity of liposomal LPS in vitro (by the Limulus amoebocyte test) and in vivo (by monitoring the pyrogenic reaction in rabbits) revealed a decrease in endotoxin activity of up to 1,000-fold. In addition, the pyrogenic activity of liposomal LPS was comparable to that of a meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Liposomes had a pronounced adjuvant effect on the immune response to LPS. Thus, the level of anti-LPS plaque-forming cells in the spleens of mice immunized with liposomal LPS was 1 order of magnitude higher and could be observed for a longer time (until day 21, i.e., the term of observation) than in mice immunized with free LPS. The same regularity was revealed in a study done with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This study also established that antibodies induced by immunization belonged to the immunoglobulin M and G classes, which are capable of prolonged circulation. Moreover, liposomal LPS induced a pronounced immune response in CBA/N mice (defective in B lymphocytes of the LyB-5+ subpopulation). The latter results indicate that the immunogenic action of liposomal LPS occurs at an early age.
The Drunk in Court: Survey of Drunkenness Offenders from Two London Courts

A total of 151 men charged with drunkenness with or without aggravations were interviewed immediately after their appearance before the magistrates. The survey was conducted in two Metropolitan courts; one in an area frequented by vagrants, and the other in a mixed middle-class and working-class area. Few of the offenders were casual roisterers and the majority had a serious drinking problem. Half the offenders showed evidence of chemical dependence on alcohol as determined by morning shakes, morning relief drinking, amnesias, inability to stop drinking, and hallucinatory experiences. The majority of the offenders were suffering from gross social isolation. Existing ways of dealing with such men seem inadequate. A rehabitation service is needed, with hostel accommodation, and particular attention should be paid to first offenders.
THE BLAKE RIDGE BOTTOM-SIMULATING REFLECTOR TRANSECT : TOMOGRAPHIC VELOCITY FIELD AND THEORETICAL MODEL TO ESTIMATE METHANE HYDRATE QUANTITIES

An acoustic reflection tomography method was applied to multichannel seismic reflection data acquired close to the Ocean Drilling Program Leg 164 Blake Ridge bottom-simulating reflector (BSR) transect, to reconstruct the local velocity field associated with gas hydrates and free gas in the sediment pores and to qualitatively assess gas hydrate and free gas abundances. The interval velocities obtained with the tomography analysis indicate deviations from a typical velocity-depth profile in normally consolidated marine sedimentary sections, with lateral velocity gradients. Below the BSR, a sharp decrease in velocity (1300–1650 m/s) has been detected in a layer bounded by the BSR and a quite discontinuous normal-polarity reflector consistently found ~80 ms below it, clearly indicating the presence of free gas in the sediment pores. A theoretical model for elastic porous media has been applied to the sonic logs at Leg 164 sites to quantify amounts of gas hydrate. The resulting theoretical velocity curves have been compared to downhole logging data and laboratory measurements conducted on the three sites, and a quantitative estimation of gas hydrates trapped in the sediment pores has been made. The proposed method furnishes results that qualitatively agree with the in situ measurements, and it can be extrapolated in areas where no experimental data are available.
Group interest versus self-interest in smallpox vaccination policy

The recent threat of bioterrorism has fueled debate on smallpox vaccination policy for the United States. Certain policy proposals call for voluntary mass vaccination; however, if individuals decide whether to vaccinate according to self-interest, the level of herd immunity achieved may differ from what is best for the population as a whole. We present a synthesis of game theory and epidemic modeling that formalizes this conflict between self-interest and group interest and shows that voluntary vaccination is unlikely to reach the group-optimal level. This shortfall results in a substantial increase in expected mortality after an attack.