Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The lactulose breath hydrogen test and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

OBJECTIVES To i) document the sensitivity and specificity of a combined scintigraphic/lactulose breath hydrogen test for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and ii) investigate the validity of currently accepted definitions of an abnormal lactulose breath hydrogen test based on "double peaks" in breath hydrogen concentrations. METHODS Twenty-eight subjects were investigated with culture of proximal small intestinal aspirate and a 10-g lactulose breath hydrogen test combined with scintigraphy. Gastroduodenal pH, the presence or absence of gastric bacterial overgrowth, and the in vitro capability of overgrowth flora to ferment lactulose were determined. RESULTS Sensitivity (16.7%) and specificity (70.0%) of the lactulose breath hydrogen test alone for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth were poor. Combination with scintigraphy resulted in 100% specificity, because double peaks in serial breath hydrogen concentrations may occur as a result of lactulose fermentation by cecal bacteria. Sensitivity increased to 38.9% with scintigraphy, because a single rise in breath hydrogen concentrations, commencing before the test meal reaches the cecum, may occur in this disorder. Sensitivity remained suboptimal irrespective of the definition of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth used, the nature of the overgrowth flora, favorable luminal pH, the presence of concurrent gastric bacterial overgrowth, or the in vitro ability of the overgrowth flora to ferment lactulose. CONCLUSIONS Definitions of an abnormal lactulose breath hydrogen test based on the occurrence of double peaks in breath hydrogen concentrations are inappropriate. Not even the addition of scintigraphy renders this test a clinically useful alternative to culture of aspirate for diagnosing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
Clinical role of tissue and serum levels of SCCA antigen in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most frequent cancer in the world and a common occurrence in patients with liver cirrhosis in western and North American countries. Ultrasound screening is a powerful technique for HCC diagnosis, whereas the only available serologic test, alpha‐fetoprotein, has poor reliability. It has been reported that the squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) is overexpressed in HCC tissue. In our study, the expression of SCCA was investigated in tumoral and peritumoral tissues and in the serum of 52 HCC patients, as well as in the serum of 48 cirrhotic patients. The results show that SCCA expression is much stronger in the tumoral than in the peritumoral tissue of HCC. Moreover, it is also evident in metastatic nodules present in the peritumoral tissue. SCCA serum levels were significantly higher in HCC samples than in cirrhotic samples. However, no correlation was found between SCCA expression and the HCC histologic degree, nor did SCCA expression correlate with tumor size, presence of metastasis or clinical outcome. In conclusion, in HCC patients, the SCCA antigen could represent a useful marker for the detection of micro‐metastasis in the tissues and for large‐scale screening of serum in patients at risk. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Suppression of human ovarian carcinoma metastasis by the metastasis‐suppressor gene, BRMS1

Metastasis-suppressor genes, by definition, suppress metastasis without affecting tumorigenicity and, hence, present attractive targets as prognostic or therapeutic markers. BRMS1 (breast cancer metastasis suppressor) has recently been identified as a metastasis-suppressor gene for human breast cancer and melanoma. Expression of BRMS1 messenger RNA (mRNA) in multitissue including normal prostate, ovarian, testis, and colon has been detected by northern blot analysis. We hypothesize that the role of BRMS1 in tumor progression may not be limited to breast cancer and melanoma. We previously found that BRMS1 mRNA levels in primary ovarian epithelial carcinomas were significantly lower than that in normal ovarian and benign tumors (P < 0.05), and statistical analysis of BRMS1 mRNA levels revealed that BRMS1 mRNA levels were significantly higher in early tumor stages (I, II) compared with advanced tumor stages (III, IV) in which lymph node or distant metastases were present (P < 0.01). Our data showed that reduced BRMS1 mRNA seems to influence ovarian carcinoma metastatic ability. Therefore, we transfected BRMS1 plasmid into highly malignant ovarian carcinoma cell line, HO-8910PM, and examined cell biologic behaviors including proliferation, adhesion, invasion, and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. BRMS1 expression did not alter the proliferation of HO-8910PM cells in vitro and primary tumor formation in vivo. But, BRMS1 expression significantly suppressed the cell adhesion to extracellular matrix components and in vitro cell invasion in BRMS1-transfected HO-8910PM cells compared to parental HO-8910PM and vector-only transfectants (HO-8910PM-vect). Furthermore, motility of BRMS1 transfectants was inhibited. lung colony formation of intravenously injected BRMS1 transfectants in nude mice was significantly reduced. Also, BRMS1 transfectants form significantly less metastatic to organs of peritoneal cavity in orthotopically implanted ovarian tumor nude models. We further discovered that BRMS1 expression did downregulate expression of an actin-bundling protein associated with cell motility –fascin, which perhaps is the mechanism underlying BRMS1 suppression of metastasis. These data suggested that in addition to its already described role in breast cancer and melanoma, BRMS1 functions as a metastasis-suppressor gene in ovarian carcinoma by modifying several metastatic-associated phenotypes, offering a new target for therapeutic intervention.
Size, Value, and Momentum Effects in Stock Returns: Evidence from India

We examine in this article if stock returns show a pattern which indicates certain anomalies predominantly size, value, and momentum effects. We also examine whether asset pricing models capture mean excess returns on portfolios constructed based on size–value and size–momentum factors. We find that average stock returns exhibit patterns that have size, value, and momentum effects. We also show evidence that the empirical results do not fully support asset-pricing models. Capital asset-pricing model (CAPM) does not capture average returns on portfolios. Fama–French three-factor model partly explains average returns on size–value sorted portfolios while Carhart four-factor model captures returns on size–momentum sorted portfolios mainly small size-winner portfolio. Hence, size, value and momentum factors continue to exist in Indian stock market and they are found to be profitable investment strategies which would maximize invested wealth of the investors.
Beyond economic impact: an alternative rationale for the public subsidy of major league sports facilities.

Government contributions to the funding of major league facilities ipso facto recognize that some portion of the benefits accruing from such facilities accrue to the public in general, rather than being captured exclusively by the franchise owner. The challenge for facility advocates is to demonstrate the return on investment to the taxpayer. This has been elusive. The canard that substantial returns accrue from the direct economic impact of visitors to games has been discredited. A taxonomy of four alternate sources of spillover benefits that are most frequently cited is proposed: increased community visibility; enhanced community image; stimulation of other development; and psychic income. Justifications using to the first three of these alternates are conceptualized as focusing on external audiences, with the intent of encouraging their investment of resources in the community. In some contexts, some economic benefits may accrue from these sources, but in most cases they cannot be demonstrated to be su.
Reductions in Stavudine Dose Might Ameliorate Mitochondrial-Associated Complications Without Compromising Antiviral Activity

Abstract Background: Stavudine (d4T) is a nucleoside analogue approved for the treatment of HIV infection. Concern has risen due to its association with mitochondrial toxicity. Given that the toxicity might be dose-dependent, we explored prospectively whether lowering d4T doses might improve the safety profile of the drug without compromising its antiviral activity. Method: All HIV-infected patients seen at our institution during the first semester of year 2003 who were receiving a d4T-containing regimen and had plasma HIV RNA below 50 copies/mL for the previous 3 months were invited to participate in a trial in which half of patients reduced the dose of d4T from 40 to 30 mg bid (cases) and the other half continued with the same d4T dose (controls). Results: A total of 92 patients were recruited in the study: 47 cases and 45 controls. A total of 9 patients experienced virological failure during the following 12 months: 4 cases and 5 controls. No significant differences between groups were recognized for mean transaminase levels, cholesterol, triglycerides, and lactate at baseline nor over the 12-month follow-up period. Lipodystrophy was recognized in 20% of patients at baseline, without significant differences between groups, and no significant improvements were recognized in the d4T 30 mg bid arm after 12 months follow-up. However, a median significant increase of 2.23-fold in the mitochondrial DNA content in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was recognized in a subset of 11 patients who reduced the d4T dose, whereas it remained unchanged in 10 controls. Conclusion: A reduction in the d4T dose from 40 to 30 mg bid may ameliorate mtDNA depletion in PBMCs without compromising the antiviral activity of the drug. However, significant improvements on surrogate laboratory markers of mitochondrial toxicity or in lipoatrophy could not be recognized over 12 months follow-up.
Material , methods and results Assessment of the effect of mutation and tumour location in probands on the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in relatives of BRCA 1 mutation carriers

This work consists of six parts based on seven manuscripts dealing with some aspects of genetic counselling for BRCA1 mutation carriers. It was demonstrated that the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in first-degree relatives of BRCA1 mutation carriers depends on the type of mutation and is higher in the younger generation. It was also shown that risk of breast cancer, but not of ovarian cancer, is related to cancer type of the proband. These factors should be taken into account when assessing risk of breast and ovarian cancer in relatives of BRCA1 mutation carriers. It was observed that longer breast-feeding, physical activities delaying menarche, preventive oophorectomy, administration of tamoxifen to patients with intact genital tract, and use of contraceptives reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. All these possibilities should be presented to BRCA1 mutation carriers within the framework of cancer risk reduction options. It was also observed that there may be some preference in transmission of the mutant allele to female offspring of BRCA1 founder mutation carriers. Environmental factors appear also to interfere with transmission. The male to female ratio in offspring of BRCA1 mutation carriers is the same as for the general population. As for the consequences of simplified two-stage genetic counselling, the first psychological reaction of a female to the fact that she is a carrier of the BRCA1 mutation is negative. However, understanding that the risk of cancer is high persuades the woman to embrace preventive options. 98% of BRCA1 mutation carriers disclosed during population screening initiated and promoted by the media are convinced of the value of genetic testing. Simplified two-stage genetic counselling appears to be a useful approach promoting increased turnout for BRCA1 mutation testing.
Single-Photon Avalanche Photodiode Based Fiber Optic Receiver for Up to 200 Mb/s

The first fully integrated receiver based on single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) for data rates of up to 200 Mb/s is reported<italic>. </italic> An array of four SPADs in combination with quenching circuits and a short dead time of 3.5 ns is fabricated in a 0.35 μm CMOS process. The responses of the SPADs are combined using an integrated digital latch-type processing circuit to create a single output data stream. In addition, the output of each quenching circuit is recorded and the bit error rates are extracted by postprocessing in MATLAB. Using a 635-nm single-mode laser source, the bit error rate at different optical power is measured at 50, 100, 150, and 200 Mb/s. The integrated digital circuit achieved the best sensitivity at –46.3 dBm (BER = 2·10<sup> –3</sup>) for 100 Mb/s. Using the MATLAB postprocessing, a sensitivity of –43.8 dBm at 200 Mb/s (BER = 6.5·10<sup>–3</sup>) is reached.
Interaction between FtsZ and inhibitors of cell division

The interaction between inhibitors of cell division and FtsZ were assessed by using the yeast two-hybrid system. An interaction was observed between FtsZ and SulA, a component of the SOS response, and the interacting regions were mapped to their conserved domains. This interaction was reduced by mutations in sulA and by most mutations in ftsZ that make cell refractory to sulA. No interaction was detected between FtsZ and MinCD, an inhibitory component of the site selection system. However, interactions were observed among various members of the Min system, and MinE was found to reduce the interaction between MinC and MinD. The implications of these findings for cell division are discussed.
Scalable Graph Traversal on Sunway TaihuLight with Ten Million Cores

Interest has recently grown in efficiently analyzing unstructured data such as social network graphs and protein structures. A fundamental graph algorithm for doing such task is the Breadth-First Search (BFS) algorithm, the foundation for many other important graph algorithms such as calculating the shortest path or finding the maximum flow in graphs. In this paper, we share our experience of designing and implementing the BFS algorithm on Sunway TaihuLight, a newly released machine with 40,960 nodes and 10.6 million accelerator cores. It tops the Top500 list of June 2016 with a 93.01 petaflops Linpack performance [1]. Designed for extremely large-scale computation and power efficiency, processors on Sunway TaihuLight employ a unique heterogeneous many-core architecture and memory hierarchy. With its extremely large size, the machine provides both opportunities and challenges for implementing high-performance irregular algorithms, such as BFS. We propose several techniques, including pipelined module mapping, contention-free data shuffling, and group-based message batching, to address the challenges of efficiently utilizing the features of this large scale heterogeneous machine. We ultimately achieved 23755.7 giga-traversed edges per second (GTEPS), which is the best among heterogeneous machines and the second overall in the Graph500s June 2016 list [2].
Sharing of Noninjection Drug-Use Implements as a Risk Factor for Hepatitis C

This study examined sharing noninjection drug implements as a risk factor for hepatitis C (HCV) infection among women drug users (n = 123) with no history of drug injection. Participants were street-recruited from East Harlem, New York City, between October 1997 and June 1999. Participants were administered a survey measuring risk factors for HCV. Prevalence of HCV and HIV infections was 19.5% and 14.6%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression determined significant associations between sharing noninjection drug-use implements and HCV infection. “Ever shared both oral and intranasal noninjection drug implements” was independently associated with HCV infection [Odds ratio (OR) 2.83; Confidence interval (CI) 1.04, 7.72; p = 0.04]; “ever shared noninjected heroin implements with an injector” was a trend (OR 3.06; CI. 85, 10.79; p = 0.08). The strongest association between sharing noninjection drug-use implements and HCV infection was found among HIV positive individuals (χ2 = 8.8, 1 d.f., p < 0.01). These findings, if supported by future research, indicate a need to reassess policies regarding HCV infection.
DNA methylation and its role in the pathogenesis of diabetes

Although the factors responsible for the recent increase in the prevalence of diabetes worldwide are not entirely known, the morbidity associated with this disease results in substantial health and economic burden on society. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation have been identified as one mechanism by which the environment interacts with the genome and there is evidence that alterations in DNA methylation may contribute to the increased prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This review provides a summary of DNA methylation and its role in gene regulation, and includes descriptions of various techniques to measure site‐specific and genome‐wide DNA methylation changes. In addition, we review current literature highlighting the complex relationship between DNA methylation, gene expression, and the development of diabetes and related complications. In studies where both DNA methylation and gene expression changes were reported, DNA methylation status had a strong inverse correlation with gene expression, suggesting that this interaction may be a potential future therapeutic target. We highlight the emerging use of genome‐wide DNA methylation profiles as a biomarker to predict patients at risk of developing diabetes or specific complications of diabetes. The development of a predictive model that incorporates both genetic sequencing and DNA methylation data may be an effective diagnostic approach for all types of diabetes and could lead to additional innovative therapies.
Continuous cardiac output monitoring via arterial pressure waveform analysis following severe hemorrhagic shock in dogs*

Objectives:To determine agreement and correlation between cardiac output determined by arterial pressure waveform analysis (PulseCO) and the lithium dilution indicator technique (LiDCO) during severe hemorrhagic shock and after fluid resuscitation in dogs. Design:Prospective experimental study. Setting:University research laboratory. Subjects:Twelve adult mongrel dogs. Interventions:Dogs were anesthetized, and selected arteries and veins were catheterized. Baseline cardiac output was determined by LiDCO and used to calibrate the PulseCO. Hemorrhagic shock was induced by withdrawing blood to achieve and maintain a mean arterial pressure of 30–40 mm Hg for 60 mins, and cardiac output was measured again using both methods. All dogs were resuscitated by administering lactated Ringer’s solution intravenously to achieve and maintain a mean arterial pressure between 60 and 70 mm Hg. PulseCO and LiDCO values were measured at 10 and 120 mins after resuscitation. Measurements and Main Results:Mean baseline cardiac output was 2.93 ± 0.45 L/min. PulseCO values overestimated cardiac output compared with LiDCO during hemorrhagic shock (2.25 vs. 0.78 L/min). There were no differences in cardiac output determined by PulseCO and LiDCO at 10 and 120 mins after fluid resuscitation. Bland-Altman analysis suggested that PulseCO values were inaccurate after hemorrhage, producing significant bias with wide limits of agreement and percentage error (1.47 ± 1.46 L/min; 97%). Bias was small but the limits of agreement and percentage error were large for cardiac output at 10 and 120 mins after resuscitation (−0.1 ± 1.88 [98%] and −0.17 ± 1.32 [71%] L/min, respectively). There appeared to be a negative but not significant correlation after hemorrhage (r = −.45; p = .15). Conclusions:PulseCO determination of cardiac output does not accurately predict rapid decreases in cardiac output or the effects of fluid resuscitation in dogs. Recalibration of PulseCO may be necessary after any apparent or suspected decrease in cardiac preload, afterload, or contractility.
Viable Legionella pneumophila bacteria in natural soil and rainwater puddles

For the majority of sporadic Legionnaires’ disease cases the source of infection remains unknown. Infection may possible result from exposure to Legionella bacteria in sources that are not yet considered in outbreak investigations. Therefore, potential sources of pathogenic Legionella bacteria—natural soil and rainwater puddles on roads—were studied in 2012.
Antigenicity and Immunogenicity of a Synthetic Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Group M Consensus Envelope Glycoprotein

ABSTRACT Genetic variation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) represents a major obstacle for AIDS vaccine development. To decrease the genetic distances between candidate immunogens and field virus strains, we have designed and synthesized an artificial group M consensus env gene (CON6 gene) to be equidistant from contemporary HIV-1 subtypes and recombinants. This novel envelope gene expresses a glycoprotein that binds soluble CD4, utilizes CCR5 but not CXCR4 as a coreceptor, and mediates HIV-1 entry. Key linear, conformational, and glycan-dependent monoclonal antibody epitopes are preserved in CON6, and the glycoprotein is recognized equally well by sera from individuals infected with different HIV-1 subtypes. When used as a DNA vaccine followed by a recombinant vaccinia virus boost in BALB/c mice, CON6 env gp120 and gp140CF elicited gamma interferon-producing T-cell responses that recognized epitopes within overlapping peptide pools from three HIV-1 Env proteins, CON6, MN (subtype B), and Chn19 (subtype C). Sera from guinea pigs immunized with recombinant CON6 Env gp120 and gp140CF glycoproteins weakly neutralized selected HIV-1 primary isolates. Thus, the computer-generated “consensus” env genes are capable of expressing envelope glycoproteins that retain the structural, functional, and immunogenic properties of wild-type HIV-1 envelopes.
Adoptive transfer of cytotoxic T lymphocytes for the treatment of transplant-associated lymphoma.

BACKGROUND Immunocompromised organ transplant recipients have a high incidence of B cell lymphomas (BCL). Severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice develop human BCL when engrafted with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transformed and immortalized B lymphoblastoid cell lines (BLCL). Because a lack of effective EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (EBV-CTL) is thought to lead to lymphoma development, the SCID mouse model was used to determine the relationship between EBV-infected B cells and EBV-specific CTL in BCL development in vivo. METHODS EBV-CTL were generated by in vitro stimulation of peripheral blood leukocytes with autologous BLCL. CD8+ CTL were isolated from CTL populations by depletion of CD4+ cells. SCID mice were engrafted with BLCL, EBV-CTL were adoptively transferred into engrafted SCID mice either immediately or 7 days after engraftment, and the animals were monitored for the development of BCL. Statistical significance was determined by the log rank test. RESULTS SCID mice engrafted with BLCL rapidly developed BCL (mean, 20 days). SCID mice engrafted with BLCL and human leukocyte antigen-identical EBV-CTL or CD8+ EBV-CTL had a significant delay in BCL development (p < 0.05), whereas some mice did not develop BCL. In contrast, human leukocyte antigen-nonidentical EBV-CTL did not significantly delay BCL development. CONCLUSIONS This study showed the role of EBV-CTL in inhibiting the development of BCL. A greater understanding of the cellular and viral interactions leading to B-cell transformation and malignancy may allow the development of specific interventional therapies in patients who have received immunosuppressants.