Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An epidemiological study of A. cantonensis in Jamaica subsequent to an outbreak of human cases of eosinophilic meningitis in 2000

SUMMARY The infection status of angiostrongylosis in Jamaica was assessed in wild rats and molluscs in the 5 years following the major outbreak of eosinophilic meningitis (EM) in 2000. Parasitological analyses of 297 Rattus rattus and 140 Rattus norvegicus, and 777 terrestrial molluscs from all 14 Parishes on the island revealed Angiostrongylus cantonensis in 32·0% of the rats and in 12·5% of the molluscs. Multivariate analyses confirmed that A. cantonensis occurred significantly more frequently in R. rattus (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1·76), while mean infection intensity in R. rattus was also significantly higher (16·8) than R. norvegicus (11·3) (Mann–Whitney U-test: P = 0·01). Third-stage larvae of A. cantonensis were detected in 29% of 86 Pleurodonte spp. ; in 20% of five Poteria spp. ; in 18·7% of 369 Thelidomus asper; in 11% of 18 Sagda spp. ; and in 6% of 24 veronicellid slugs. Most rodent infections occurred in Northeastern Jamaica (OR = 11·66), a region where infected molluscs were also abundant. Given the prevalence of A. cantonensis infection in rats has significantly increased since the 2000 outbreak, and that a survey of human infections revealed at least ten autochthonous cases in the last 15 years, angiostrongylosis persists as an important zoonosis in Jamaica.
Anyons are not energy eigenspaces of quantum double Hamiltonians

Kitaev's quantum double models, including the toric code, are canonical examples of quantum topological models on a 2D spin lattice. Their Hamiltonian defines the groundspace by imposing an energy penalty to any nontrivial flux or charge, but does not distinguish among those. We generalize this construction by introducing a novel family of Hamiltonians made of commuting four-body projectors that provide an intricate splitting of the Hilbert space by discriminating among non-trivial charges and fluxes. Our construction highlights that anyons are not in one-to-one correspondence with energy eigenspaces, a feature already present in Kitaev's construction. This discrepancy is due to the presence of local degrees of freedom in addition to topological ones on a lattice.
Individual and organizational factors related to work engagement among home-visiting nurses in Japan.

AIM The increasing number of elderly people has caused increased demand for home-visiting nurses. Nursing managers should develop healthy workplaces in order to grow their workforce. This study investigated the work engagement of home-visiting nurses as an index of workplace health. The aim of the present study was to reveal factors contributing to work engagement among Japanese home-visiting nurses. METHODS An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was sent to 208 home-visiting nurses from 28 nursing agencies in three districts; 177 (85.1%) returned the questionnaires. The Job Demands-Resources model, which explains the relationship between work environment and employee well-being, was used as a conceptual guide. The authors employed three survey instruments: (i) questions on individual variables; (ii) questions on organizational variables; and (iii) the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (Japanese version). Multiple regression analyses were performed in order to examine the relationships between individual variables, organizational variables, and work engagement. RESULTS Nurse managers and nurses who felt that there was a positive relationship between work and family had significantly higher work engagement levels than others. The support of a supervisor was significantly associated with work engagement. Nurses in middle-sized but not large agencies had significantly higher work engagement than nurses in small agencies. CONCLUSION Supervisor support and an appropriate number of people reporting to each supervisor are important factors in fostering work engagement among home-visiting nurses.
Two-staged delayed open reduction and internal fixation of severe pilon fractures.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the use of a two-staged technique for the treatment of C3 pilon fractures. DESIGN Retrospective. SETTING Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS Twenty-one consecutive patients with twenty-two C3 pilon fractures. Patients with C1 or C2 fractures and patients with open growth plates were excluded. INTERVENTION All patients underwent immediate fibular fixation and placement of a medial spanning external fixator. After, on average, twenty-four days, patients underwent removal of the external fixator and formal open reduction and internal fixation of the pilon fractures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS At average follow-up of twenty-two months, all patients were evaluated by using subjective, objective, and radiographic measurements as described by Burwell and Chamley (J Bone Joint Surg 1965;47B:634-659). Range of motion and postoperative complications were also recorded. RESULTS Twenty-one of the twenty-two fractures healed within an average of 4.2 months. Average range of motion was 7 degrees of dorsiflexion, 33 degrees of plantar flexion, 17 degrees of eversion, and 11 degrees of inversion. Subjective and objective measurements showed 77 percent good results, 14 percent fair results, and 9 percent poor results. Radiographic reduction showed 73 percent anatomic and 27 percent fair reductions. There were no infections or soft tissue complications. The arthrodesis rate was 9 percent. CONCLUSIONS A two-staged approach offers acceptable results for the treatment of severe pilon fractures. These results compare favorably with those of primary open reduction and of internal fixation and external fixation techniques. The major advantages include limited soft tissue complications and improved articular reconstruction.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability With Repeat Doses of GSK1265744 and Rilpivirine (TMC278) Long-Acting Nanosuspensions in Healthy Adults

Objective:Pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of GSK1265744 (744) and rilpivirine (RPV) (TMC278) were assessed after repeat dosing of long-acting (LA) injectable formulations in healthy subjects. Methods:Subjects received a 14-day lead-in of oral 744 (30 mg/d) to assess safety and tolerability before injectable administration. Subjects were randomized into 4 cohorts: 800 mg of 744 LA intramuscularly (IM) followed by 3 monthly doses of (1) 200 mg subcutaneously, (2) 200 mg IM, (3) 400 mg IM, or (4) a second injection of 800 mg IM after 12 weeks. Cohorts 2 and 3 also received IM doses of RPV LA at months 3 (1200 mg) and 4 (900 or 600 mg). Pharmacokinetics and safety were assessed throughout the trial. Results:Forty-seven subjects enrolled; 40 received ≥1 LA injection with 37 completing all planned injections. Seven subjects discontinued 744 oral (non–drug-related, n = 6; dizziness, n = 1). The 744 LA and RPV LA injections were generally well tolerated, with grade 1 injection site reactions most commonly reported. Three subjects discontinued during injection phase (consent withdrawn, n = 2; self-limited rash, n = 1). There were no grade 3 or 4 adverse events and no clinically significant trends in laboratory abnormalities, electrocardiograms, or vital signs. All dose cohorts achieved therapeutically relevant plasma concentrations of each drug within 3 days with prolonged exposure over the dosing interval. Plasma concentrations of 744 exceeded the protein-adjusted IC90 and RPV plasma concentrations and were comparable to steady-state oral RPV 25 mg/d. Conclusions:These data support the potential application of dual-therapy 744 LA and RPV LA for treatment of HIV-1 infection.
GPU-based high-speed and high-precision visual tracking

This paper presents a method for implementing the ESM visual tracker proposed by Malis et al. on a GPU to realize fast and accurate visual tracking. The ESM tracker is effective especially for the images in which feature points are difficult to obtain, since it uses entire image pixels of the target image region. Although its ordinary CPU implementation runs fairly fast, our GPU implementation enables yet faster tracking, so that it runs even at 1000fps when used with a camera that can capture images at that frame rate. We analyze which parts of the algorithm can be processed in a parallel fashion, and implement them by appropriately using the memory system of a GPU. We show comparison between our GPU implementation and a CPU implementation of the ESM algorithm in terms of computation time and tracking performance.
DETERMINATION OF BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SABA SENEGALENSIS (SABA FRUIT)

Saba senegalensis is an indigenous tree crop found in the northern regions of Ghana and parts of Africa; it is used as dessert or as condiment for dishes. This study was carried out to analyze the nutritional value of Saba senegalensis by determining proximate and biochemical composition using Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC) standard methods of food analysis. The fruit recorded vitamin C content of 16.41mg/100g, and 47.2 mg/100 g of malic. It was discovered that the fruit was slightly acidic with pH of 2.24 and had a brix level of 14.1 %. Crude protein content was 8.75 % and 0.53 % for the seed and pulp respectively. The crude fat was higher in the pulp (8.92 %) than in the seed (2.14 %). The moisture content of the juice was 41.43 %, the ash content of the seed and pulp were 6.7 % and 2.8% respectively and a crude fibre of 13.52 %. The result indicated a nutritive value of 379.32 kcal/100 g with 74.23 % available carbohydrates. Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations were 810 ppm, 357.5 ppm and 47.5 ppm respectively. The nutritional and mineral composition of Saba senegalensis from northern Ghana is higher than some commercial fruits and is very much comparable with various wild and non-wild tropical fruits reported in literature.
Impact of Ergocalciferol Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency on Serum Parathyroid Hormone Concentrations in Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent and associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) guidelines recommend treatment of vitamin D deficiency starting with CKD stage 3, though no data are available showing an impact on serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. The goal of this analysis, therefore, was to determine the effect of ergocalciferol treatment on plasma PTH concentrations in vitamin D-deficient patients with stage 3 and stage 4 CKD. Methods: A prospective, nonrandomized observational analysis was conducted in an academic community hospital CKD clinic. Fifty-two patients with stage 3 or stage 4 CKD with vitamin D deficiency and elevated PTH concentrations received ergocalciferol dosed per a modified K/DOQI guidelines protocol and adjusted every 3 months. Serum PTH, 25-vitamin D, 1,25-vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and albumin levels were drawn at initiation of therapy and repeated every 3 months. Results: The mean 25-vitamin D levels normalized in patients with stage 3 and 4 CKD, with values of 31.6 ± 2.2 ng/ml (78.8 ± 5.49 nmol/l) and 35.4 ± 1.9 ng/ml (88.4 ± 4.74 nmol/l), respectively (p < 0.0001). A median decrease in PTH concentrations of 13.1 and 2.0% was noted in patients with stage 3 and stage 4 CKD, respectively (p = 0.041, p = nonsignificant). Conclusions: Ergocalciferol therapy is a reasonable initial therapy for vitamin D deficiency associated with elevated PTH levels in stage 3 CKD. It does not appear to have equivalent benefits in stage 4 CKD.
Induction of hepatic enzymes by adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate in organ culture.

Abstract In fetal rat liver maintained in organ culture, the activity of tyrosine-α-ketoglutarate transaminase (L-tyrosine:2-oxo-glutarate aminotransferase, EC 2.6.1.5) is elevated by adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and those hormones (glucagon, catecholamines) that stimulate formation of this nucleotide, as well as by hydrocortisone and insulin. Hydrocortisone is the most effective inducer, but the lag period for response to glucagon, isoproterenol, and cyclic AMP is somewhat shorter than with the steroid. The results obtained with combinations of the different inducers suggest that there may be three basic mechanisms for regulation of the transaminase: one stimulated by hydrocortisone, one by insulin, and one by cyclic AMP. The effect of cyclic AMP on the transaminase was found to be due to an increased rate of enzyme synthesis as determined by immunochemical isotopic analysis. Very low concentrations of either hydrocortisone or cyclic AMP markedly potentiated the effects of optimal concentrations of the other. Glucagon, isoproterenol, and cyclic AMP were found to stimulate the activity of another hepatic enzyme, soluble phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP:oxaloacetate carboxy-lyase transphosphorylating, EC 4.1.1.32), but not glucose 6-phosphatase (D-glucose 6-phosphate phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.9) within a 4-hour period. Hydrocortisone and insulin did not affect either of these enzymes; rather, insulin inhibited induction of the carboxykinase by glucagon, isoproterenol, or cyclic AMP. Both cycloheximide and actinomycin largely prevented the effects of all agents on both the transaminase and the carboxykinase. Possible sites of action of the different inducers are discussed.
Cold stress, near drowning and accidental hypothermia: a review.

This paper reviews literature on the topic of cold stress, near-drowning and hypothermia, written mainly since the last review of this type in this journal. The main effects of cold stress, especially in cold water immersion, include the "cold shock" response, local cooling causing decrements in physical and mental performance, and ultimately core cooling as hypothermia occurs. The section on cold-water submersion (near-drowning) includes discussion regarding the various mechanisms for brain and body cooling during submersion. The mechanisms for cold-induced protection of the anoxic brain are discussed with attention given to decreased brain temperature and the Q10 principle, the mammalian dive reflex and a newly considered mechanism; cold-induced changes in neurotransmitter release (i.e., glutamate and dopamine). The section on the post-cooling period includes the post-rescue collapse and subsequent rewarming strategies used in the field, during emergency transport or in medical facilities. Recent research on topics such as inhalation warming, body-to-body warming, radio wave therapy, warm water immersion, exercise, body cavity lavage, and cardiopulmonary bypass is reviewed. Information on new methods of warming, including arteriovenous anastomoses (AVA) warming (by application of heat- with or without negative pressure application-to distal extremities in an effort to increase AVA blood flow), forced-air warming, and peripheral vascular extracorporeal warming, are discussed.
Expression profiles of SV40‐immortalization‐associated genes upregulated in various human cancers

Immortalization is an early and essential step of human carcinogenesis which is associated with alterations in gene expression and regulation. Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was successfully performed to identify immortalization‐associated genes upregulated in SV40‐immortalized lung fibroblasts. We identified 116 known genes which were related to diverse functions, with 32.8% relevant for cell cycle or proliferation indicating the potential involvement of these genes in immortalization. We chose eight known genes located on the overrepresented chromosomes of non‐small‐cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). ASPM, RFC4, C3orf26, BXDC2, C15orf44, AURKA, C20orf77, and RBMX were upregulated in immortalized cells, cancer cells, and non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues. We additionally cloned two novel genes (CHA‐V‐97 and CHA‐V‐165) which showed similar upregulated expression patterns in cells and tissues examined. Identification and further characterization of these genes may provide insights of novel players for immortalization and human carcinogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 703–713, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The study of shape and size of normal sella turcica in cephalometric radiographs

Purpose: To investigate the shape and size of normal sella turcica on cephalometric radiograms. Materials and Methods: Cephalometric radiograms of 200 orthodontic patients of age ranging 6-42 years were examined. All subjects were divided into 5 groups by age, the dimensional change of sella turcica was examined according to age, and the configurations of sella turcica floor, tuberculum sella, and anterior and posterior clinoid process were also observed. Results: The contours of sella turcica floor were flat type in 54% and concave type in 46%. The contours of tuberculum sella were right angle type in 55% and obtuse angle type in 44%; Acute angle type and plane type were very rare comprising 0.5%, 0.5% each. The configurations of anterior clinoid process were point type in 80% and round type in 20% of cases, and those of posterior clinoid processes were point type in 60% and round type in 40% of cases. The dimensional change of sella turcica according to age range had significantly positive linear trend to sella turcica length, height, and width until 25 years. After 26 years, no significant increase was found in sella turcica dimension. Especially, the sella turcica length had more proportional increase than that of sella turcica height and width. Conclusion : The results of this study revealed that the configuration of normal sella turcica was variable and the dimensional change of normal sella turcica had a linear tendency with age until 26 years.
A Communication Program for Enhancing Interaction in Families with a Hearing-Impaired Child

A communication program for families with a hearing-impaired child (FWHIC) was developed and used with four families. A matched comparison group participated in loosely structured discussions. The program activities integrated positive communicative dimensions with issues related to this population. Findings indicate that the FWHIC program did have beneficial effects for parents and/or children. Some major findings include improved awareness skills, the ability to label feelings and skills, increased perceptions of family cohesiveness, and decreased perceptions of family conflict. The compared families participating in loosely structured discussions actually perceived some deterioration in their perceptions of family environment and a decrease in their awareness and social interaction skills. A follow-up analysis, 3 to 4 weeks following the program, indicated several long-term effects, although the majority of children and families perceived no changes.
MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF BRANCH CONTENT ON THE MISCIBILITY OF HDPE IN METALLOCENE OCTENE-LLDPES

Miscibility of linear high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and series of metallocene octene-based linear low-density polyethylene (m-LLDPE) with different branch contents were studied by molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. m-LLDPEs were modeled as ethylene-octene copolymers with octene uniformly distributed on the PE chain. In the MD simulation, chains were modeled using united atom approach in the NVT ensemble. The branch content (BC) was varied in the range 10–80 branches/1000C. The miscibility of HDPE/m-LLDPE blends was inferred from the steady-state conformation of the blend. Miscibility was found to be a function of BC. Miscibility was observed in blends of up to 40 branches/1000 C; however, blends were found to be immiscible in higher ranges (50-80 BC). MD Simulation results agree with previous experimental reports of Hill’s group.
Prevalence of cigarette smoking among young adults in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE To obtain information about the prevalence of cigarette smoking among a selected sample of university students in Karachi and build our understanding of the determinants of smoking with respect to family smoking, smoking in the home, smoke-free public places, and quit smoking cessation programmes. METHODS Data were collected as a part of a pilot project initiated by Jinnah University Karachi. Participants were 629 university students (432 males and 197 females) aged 18-25 years from ten universities in Karachi. Descriptive statistics and Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the results and conclusions. RESULTS Thirty-nine per cent of students had smoked a whole cigarette in their life time, whereas 25% had smoked 100 or more cigarettes in their lifetime. Overall, 23% of students (31% male and 6% female) were classified as a current smoker and their mean age and standard deviation of smoking initiation was 17 +/- 2.7 years (17 +/- 2.6) for males and 16 +/- 2.9 females. Sixty-three percent of smokers reported that public places should be smoke-free. Logistic regression analyses adjusted by age and gender suggested that parental and sibling influence and number of close friends and individuals who smoke at home were highly predictive of being a smoker. CONCLUSION Findings from this study suggest that student were generally open to smoking cessation treatment and no-smoking restrictions.
Assessment of quadriceps muscle inactivation with a new electrical stimulation paradigm

Introduction: In this study we evaluated the validity of garment‐based quadriceps stimulation (GQS) for assessment of muscle inactivation in comparison with femoral nerve stimulation (FNS). Methods: Inactivation estimates (superimposed doublet torque), self‐reported discomfort, and twitch and doublet contractile properties were compared between GQS and FNS in 15 healthy subjects. Results: Superimposed doublet torque was significantly lower for GQS than for FNS at 20% and 40% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) (P < 0.01), but not at 60%, 80%, and 100% MVC. Discomfort scores were systematically lower for GQS than for FNS (P < 0.05). Resting twitch and doublet peak torque were lower for GQS, and time to peak torque was shorter for GQS than for FNS (P < 0.01). Conclusions: GQS can be used with confidence for straightforward evaluation of quadriceps muscle inactivation, whereas its validity for assessment of contractile properties remains to be determined. Muscle Nerve 51: 117–124, 2015
Relevancy of Drug Loading to Liposomal Formulation Therapeutic Efficacy

Liposomes were first described nearly 40 years ago and have been useful models for studying the physical chemistry of lipid bilayers and the biology of the cell membrane (rev. in 1–3). More than 30 years ago it was also realized that liposomes might be used as vehicles for the delivery of drugs and other active agents as well as in the field of gene transfer (rev. in 2–4). The achievements of liposomology after major efforts in both academia and in industry, resulting in the development of ten approved parenteral products, are described in Table 1, while Table 2 lists current major deficiencies in the way of new advances. This short paper focuses on two of these deficiencies: the ability (i) to achieve a high level of loading of an active agent in the liposome and to make this loading stable during handling and storage, irrespective of the nature of the agent and (ii) to fit the release rate of the loaded active agent to specific therapeutic aims of the liposome formulation. Different rules apply for drugs which are expected to act mainly near the site of injection (i.e. local anesthetics) and those that should affect sites which cannot be approached by local administration (i.e. systemic or metastatic diseases). For the latter, intravenous (i.v.) administration is most commonly used, and therefore the loading is even more of a challenge since in order to extravasate into the disease site the liposomes should be smaller than 120 nm. However, the very small intraliposome aqueous volume of such small liposomes requires very efficient