Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the patients presenting with acute viral hepatitis

Background: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) are both enterically transmitted, resulting in acute viral hepatitis (AVH) in developing countries. They pose major health problems in our country. This study was done to determine prevalence of HAV and HEV in patients presenting with AVH and the co-infection of HAV and HEV in these patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 2-years duration was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, KMC, Mangalore. A non-random sampling of 958 patients presenting with AVH was considered in the study. On the basis of history, serum samples were analysed for IgM anti-HAV and IgM anti-HEV for the detection of HAV and HEV, respectively using commercially available ELISA kits. Data collected was analysed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 11.5. Results: The seroprevalence of HAV- and HEV-positive patients were 19.31% and 10.54%, respectively. The seroprevalence of both HAV and HEV in patients with acute viral hepatitis was 11.5%. The prevalence of HAV and HEV among males (68% and 31%) was higher than in females (31% and 20%) and was predominantly seen among young adults. These infections were predominantly seen during end of monsoons and beginning of winter. Conclusion: Though the prevalence of HAV is much higher than that of HEV, co-infection rate of 11.5% mandates the screening for HEV which will be of immense importance in pregnant women and improving levels of personal hygiene among higher socio-economic population. These data will be essential for planning of future vaccination strategies and for better sanitation programme in this part of the country.
The Social Support Apgar: instrument development and testing.

The Social Support Apgar (SSA), developed as a user-friendly tool for screening for perceptions of adequacy of social support among perinatal women, provides a profile of perceived satisfaction with five types of support from five different sources. The results of psychometric analyses from three separate studies involving the SSA are reported. Cronbach's alphas of.88 to . 93 were obtained. A positive relationship between SSA scores and favorable pregnancy outcomes and a negative relationship between SSA scores and life stress proved some evidence of validity. The SSA's clinical utility is suggested by its ease of completion and the finding of no relationship between client and nurse ratings. These results suggest that the tool holds promise for use as a screening instrument with prenatal clients in busy clinical settings.
Vitamin D nutritional status and the risk for cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. CVD has a significant impact on health care systems worldwide and over 23 million individuals are expected to succumb to the disease by 2030. Early onset of atherosclerosis in childhood along with other risk factors of CVD, including elevated circulating lipids, have been shown to persist in adulthood and lead to CVD. Vitamin D deficiency is considered a risk factor for the pathogenesis of CVD, with childhood nutritional status of vitamin D being an important determinant of the development of CVD. Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D can arise due to reduced intake as well as geographical location, and other diseases/conditions such as chronic kidney disease and obesity. Childhood vitamin D deficiency can progress and lead to atherosclerosis and other CVDs in adulthood. Early intervention with vitamin D supplementation is an ideal approach towards preventive therapy. However, there is no clear consensus regarding the role of vitamin D in childhood CVD. In the present study, we reviewed the available evidence in favor of and against such a role for this vitamin.
Fibroblast growth factor‐9 inhibits astrocyte differentiation of adult mouse neural progenitor cells

Fibroblast growth factor‐9 (FGF9) is expressed in the CNS and is reported to be a mitogen for glial cells, to promote neuronal survival, and to retard oligodendrocyte differentiation. Here we examined the effects of FGF9 on the differentiation, survival, and proliferation of adult neural progenitor cells derived from the adult mouse subventricular zone. FGF9 by itself induced neurosphere proliferation, but its effects were modest compared with those of epidermal growth factor and FGF2. When neurospheres were dissociated and plated for differentiation, FGF9 increased total cell number over time in a dose‐dependent manner. Ki67 immunostaining and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation indicated that this was at least partially due to the continued presence of proliferative nestin‐positive neural progenitor cells and βIII tubulin‐positive neuronal precursors. FGF9 also promoted cell survival as indicated by a decreased number of TUNEL‐positive cells over time. Assessment of differentiation showed that FGF9 increased neuron generation that reflected the increase in total cell number; however, the percentage of progenitor cells differentiating into neurons was slightly decreased. FGF9 had a modest effect on oligodendrocyte generation, although it appeared to slow the maturation of oligodenrocytes at higher concentrations. The most marked effect on differentiation was an almost total lack of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐positive astrocytes up to 7 days following FGF9 addition, indicating that astrocyte differentiation was strongly inhibited. Total inhibition required prolonged treatment, although a 1‐hr pulse was sufficient for partial inhibition, and bone morphogenic protein‐4 could partially overcome the FGF9 inhibition of astrocyte differentiation. FGF9 therefore has multiple effects on adult neural precursor cell function, enhancing neuronal precursor proliferation and specifically inhibiting GFAP expression. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid Prototyping of NASA Next Generation Sensors for the SERVIR System of Fire Detection in Mesoamerica

The SERVIR Fire Rapid Response System web site displays and distributes daily images of near-real-time MODIS data processed by the MODIS Rapid Response System. The MODIS Rapid Response System was developed by Science Systems and Applications Inc. scientists at the Goddard Space Flight Center and implanted as the SERVIR extension for the use of personnel involved in environmental monitoring and disaster management in Mesoamerica. This Rapid Prototyping Capability Experiment is designed to examine the continued performance of SERVIR’s fire detection system associated with the anticipated transition from MODIS to VIIRS sensor data. There is an inherent limitation in attempting this analysis prior to the commissioning of the actual VIIRS-based sensors. Our efforts in simulating the VIIRS data require us to make substitutions of sensor type and sensor resolution that cause the comparisons to be subject to this limitation. Our comparisons can, however, identify issues to be addressed in the preparation for the new sensors.
Obtaining and storage of ready-to-use segments from traditional orange obtained by enzymatic peeling

The aim of this study was to optimize all parameters implied in the process of obtaining orange segments as minimally processed product by enzymatic peeling, from the method of segment obtaining to the storage conditions, and also to evaluate two films with different permeability. Enzymatic peeling was carried out by fruit infusion under vacuum conditions in a commercial preparation of pectinases and cellulases (Peelzym II). The best condition to obtain Cadenera segments by enzymatic peeling was 1 mL/L of Peelzym II applied at 53 kPa with three vacuum pulses of 2 min and a subsequent period of 30 min in the enzymatic solution at atmospheric pressure. The segments were packaged in two films with different permeability and they were stored for 10 days at 4 °C. Samplings were carried out after 4, 7 and 10 days of storage. The results showed that the concentration of CO2 in the less permeable film (PA 120) ranged between 0.7 and 1.2 mL/100 mL, while in the most permeable one (PA 240) was around 0.2 mL/100 mL. Under these conditions, the weight loss was kept at low levels until day 7 of storage, showing a significant increase after 10 days. Colour (a/b) increased with the peeling process and it remained without significant changes during the whole storage period for both films. The antioxidant capacity slightly decreased after 10 days of storage. The microbial flora was reduced after the enzymatic peeling. Both the sensory and the microbiological quality were kept in adequate levels for consumption during 7 days. From this moment, they lost sweetness and aroma and the microbial development increased. Thus, the use of the most permeable film and a maximum storage time of 7 days are recommended to maintain the most quality of the segments.
Work-related rehabilitation aftercare for patients with musculoskeletal disorders: results of a randomized-controlled multicenter trial

There is evidence that rehabilitation with a multidisciplinary focus on work-related demands effectively improves work ability and quickens return to work in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. There could be benefits to the transfer of work-related components into rehabilitation aftercare. We examined the effectiveness of an intensified work-related rehabilitation aftercare program compared with standard intensified rehabilitation aftercare in Germany on work ability. We randomly assigned 307 patients with musculoskeletal disorders from 11 rehabilitation centers to an aftercare program with work-related functional capacity training, work-related psychosocial groups, social counseling, relaxation training and exercise therapy (intervention group), or the usual aftercare program consisting of only exercise therapy (control group). The 6-month follow-up questionnaire was completed by 78.5% of patients. There was no statistically relevant between-group difference in follow-up primary (work ability) and secondary outcomes (e.g. health-related quality of life, sick leave duration). Significant improvements were observed within both the intervention and the control groups. Severely disabled participants in the intervention group had better physical functioning and shorter sick leave duration after 6 months compared with severely disabled patients in the control group. A partial replacement of standard exercise therapy by a more work-related therapy does not seem to improve work ability superiorly. Improved aftercare treatment may require a focus on employer participation and involvement within the actual work environment.
[CA-P control in haemodialysis and K/DOQI guidelines].

BACKGROUND The publication in 2003 of the K/DOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines for Bone Metabolism and Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease recommended targets levels for serum iPTH, Ca, P, and CaxP product. However, many patients do not achieved these target ranges. It is necessary to known the percentage of patients out of range in order to prevent the development of bone disease and to reduce mortality and morbidity. OBJECTIVES To know the degree of control of Ca-P metabolism in haemodialysis patients in our haemodilalysis facilities and the achievement of target levels recommended by K/DOQI Guidelines. PATIENTS AND METHODS We have retrospectively investigated in 190 prevalent haemodialysis patients (males 58.2%, ratio M/F 1.4, mean age 70 years, range 17-87 years, at least 3 months in haemodialysis) the serum levels of Ca, albumin-corrected serum Ca, P, CaxP product and iPTH in all analitycal determinations performed in 2004. In each patient we have obtained the average (and median) of these serum markers. Cut-off levels were carried out following the recommendations of the K/DOQI Guidelines. RESULTS The average of serum Ca and albumin-corrected serum Ca is normal (means +/- SD = 8.9 +/- 0.6 mg/dL and 9.2 +/- 0.7 mg/dL, respectively); however, 53.7% has normal values, 9.1% hypocalcemia and 37.1% hypercalcemia. The average of serum P is also normal (mean +/- SD = 5.0 +/- 1.3 mg/dL); however, only 57.2% has normal values, and 11.7% has hypophosphoremia and the remaining 31, 1% hyperphosphoremia. The CaxP product is normal (mean +/- SD = 46.3 +/- 13.3 mg2/mL2), 4.9% with low values and 23.4% with high values. The median of serum iPTH is 253 pg/mL, but only 31.1% of them have normal values, 25.1% low range values and 43.7% has hyperparathyroidism; 9.3% with iPTH higher than 800 pg/mL. The percentage of patients with hyperphosphoremia is higher in the group with iPTH higher than 300 pg/mL (23.3% vs. 40%, chi2, p= 0.006). In patients with PTHi in normal range, 3.6% have low CaxP product and the remaining 17.8% high CaxP product. Overall, only 25% of patients falls within recommended ranges for all indicators of mineral metabolism and 17% has all serum markers outside these recommendations. CONCLUSIONS The degree of control of mineral metabolism in haemodyalisis patients if clearly insufficient and a large percentage of them do not achieved the recommended serum targets recommended by K/DOQI Guidelines. This groups of patients are exposed to a increased risk for oseous and cardiovascular morbimortality. The analysis of adequacy must be performed with percentage of patients out of range in order to apply new therapeutical strategies.
Anti‐inflammatory effects of sodium butyrate on human monocytes: potent inhibition of IL‐12 and up‐regulation of IL‐10 production

Cytokines are critical in regulating unresponsiveness versus immunity towards enteric antigens derived from the intestinal flora and ingested food. There is increasing evidence that butyrate, a major metabolite of intestinal bacteria and crucial energy source for gut epithelial cells, also possesses anti‐inflammatory properties. Its influence on cytokine production, however, is not established. Here, we report that butyrate strongly inhibits interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) production by suppression of both IL‐12p35 and IL‐12p40 mRNA accumulation, but massively enhances IL‐10 secretion in Staphylococcus aureuscell‐stimulated human monocytes. The effect of butyrate on IL‐12 production was irreversible upon the addition of neutralizing antibodies to IL‐10 or transforming growth factor β1 and of indomethacin. In anti‐CD3‐stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, butyrate enhanced IL‐10 and IL‐4 secretion but reduced the release of IL‐2 and interferon‐γ. The latter effect was in part a result of suppressed IL‐12 production but also a result of inhibition of IL‐12 receptor expression on T cells. These data demonstrate a novel anti‐inflammatory property of butyrate that may have broad implications for the regulation of immune responses in vivoand could be exploited as new therapeutic approach in inflammatory conditions.
Cost-effective batch production process of scFv antibody in Escherichia coli.

BACKGROUND Cost-effective production of antibody (Ab) fragments is of great interests of many pharmaceutical industries, in large part due to their high usages in research, diagnosis and therapy. Thus, the production of Abs necessitates accomplishment of the optimal strategies. OBJECTIVE In this study, based on the induction start time using arabinose, we implemented a novel strategy for the cost-effective production of single chain variable fragment (scFv) in Escherichia coli (E. coli). METHODS Complex and minimum media were used to investigate the batch fermentation in 50 mL batch tubes to find the optimum conditions for the production of a scFv in the Escherichia coli HB2151. RESULTS Arabinose was used as an appropriate economical alternative of isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) for the production of scFv antibody. The optimum concentration of arabinose as an inducer was 0.1% (w/w), while below this point the scFv production yield (YP/X) decreased significantly. The start time of the induction of E. coli HB2151 cells was adjusted to the stationary phase of the growth, and the results showed higher specific scFv production yields up to 0.9 mg scFv/g biomass in the minimum media. The optimum induction duration times for the complex and minimum media were about 12 and 24 hours, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We propose this method to possibly be used for the large-scale production of recombinant proteins/peptides such as scFv and Fab antibodies.
The core Dravet syndrome phenotype

Dravet syndrome was described in 1978 by Dravet (1978) under the name of severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy (SMEI). The characteristics of the syndrome were confirmed and further delineated by other authors over the years. According to the semiologic features, two forms have been individualized: (1) the typical, core, SMEI; and (2) the borderline form, SMEIB, in which the myoclonic component is absent or subtle. Clinical manifestations at the onset, at the steady state, and during the course of the disease are analyzed in detail for the typical Dravet syndrome, and the differential diagnosis is discussed. Onset in the first year of life by febrile or afebrile clonic and tonic–clonic, generalized, and unilateral seizures, often prolonged, in an apparently normal infant is the first symptom, suggesting the diagnosis. Later on, multiple seizure types, mainly myoclonic, atypical absences, and focal seizures appear, as well as a slowing of developmental and cognitive skills, and the appearance of behavioral disorders. Mutation screening for the SCN1A gene confirms the diagnosis in 70–80% of patients. All seizure types are pharmacoresistent, but a trend toward less severe epilepsy and cognitive impairment is usually observed after the age of 5 years.
Kinetics of retinal lipoprotein precipitation and elimination after closure of subretinal new vessels.

PURPOSE To study the kinetics of retinal precipitation and elimination of lipoprotein in relation to photodynamic therapy of subretinal new vessels. METHODS This was a retrospective observational study of subretinal precipitate before and after photodynamic therapy for subfoveal new vessels secondary to age-related macular degeneration in 14 eyes demonstrating precipitate at one or more visits, using digital red-free gray-scale fundus photography, intravenous fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and morphometric mapping. RESULTS In 14 eyes of 14 patients, the area covered by lipoprotein precipitate increased from a mean of 0.54 optic disc areas (range, 0-2.61) before treatment to a mean of 0.65 optic disc areas (range, 0.01-3.04) at 45 d after treatment (P = 0.18). Eyes with a serous detachment at baseline, before the initial treatment (n = 10) demonstrated more treatment-related precipitation than eyes without a serous detachment at baseline (n = 4; P = 0.034). Two eyes with a large amount of precipitate and a long follow-up demonstrated net elimination of precipitate from approximately 100 days after the initial treatment, with uniexponential precipitate half-lives of 43 and 32 days. CONCLUSIONS Photodynamic therapy for subfoveal new vessels may be associated with retinal precipitation of lipoprotein, presumably because early extraction of water and salts from the subretinal fluid increases the concentration of leaked plasma proteins. Despite reperfusion of the subretinal vessels, macromolecular leakage appears to cease within 100 days, indicating that functional maturation of the new vessels has occurred, with an associated decrease in pore size.
Developmental and nutritional status of internationally adopted children.

OBJECTIVES To assess the relationship between developmental status of international adoptees at the time of entry into the United States and their nutritional status and concurrent medical problems. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING/PATIENTS One hundred twenty-nine internationally adopted children attending the International Adoption Clinic at the Floating Hospital for Children, Boston, Mass, underwent detailed developmental assessments, anthropometric measurements, and medical examinations. RESULTS The anthropometric measurements of the international adoptees were below the means for weight, height, and head circumference based on standards of the World Health Organization. Only 65 children (50%) were developmentally normal. Gross motor delays were identified in 43 children (33%), fine motor delays in 52 (40%), language delays in 23 (18%), cognitive delays in 21 (16%), and global delays in 18 (14%). The severity of delays were related to z scores for weight, height, and head circumference. The 36 children with medical problems had lower z scores compared with healthy children and were more likely to have delayed development. CONCLUSIONS Careful developmental and growth screening of internationally adopted children at entry into the United States identifies adopted children at entry interventions and close follow-up. Longitudinal studies of internationally adopted children may provide evidence about the reversibility of growth and developmental delays, findings applicable to any environmentally deprived child.
Matched‐related donor transplantation for sickle cell disease: report from the Center for International Blood and Transplant Research

We report outcomes after myeloablative haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched sibling donors in 67 patients with sickle cell disease transplanted between 1989 and 2002. The most common indications for transplantation were stroke and recurrent vaso‐occlusive crisis in 38% and 37% of patients respectively. The median age at transplantation was 10 years and 67% of patients had received >10 red blood cell transfusions before HCT. Twenty‐seven percent of patients had a poor performance score at transplantation. Ninety‐four percent received busulfan and cyclophosphamide‐containing conditioning regimens and bone marrow was the predominant source of donor cells. Most patients achieved haematopoietic recovery and no deaths occurred during the early post‐transplant period. Rates of acute and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease were 10% and 22% respectively. Sixty‐four of 67 patients are alive with 5‐year probabilities of disease‐free and overall survival of 85% and 97% respectively. Nine patients had graft failure with recovery of sickle erythropoiesis, eight of who had recurrent sickle‐related events. This report confirms and extends earlier reports that HCT from HLA‐matched related donors offers a very high survival rate, with few transplant‐related complications and the elimination of sickle‐related complications in the majority of patients who undergo this therapy.
Epistatic Effects of the Protease/Chaperone HflB on Some Damaged Forms of the Escherichia coli Ammonium Channel AmtB

The Escherichia coli ammonium channel AmtB is a trimer in which each monomer carries a pore for substrate conduction and a cytoplasmic C-terminal extension of ∼25 residues. Deletion of the entire extension leaves the protein with intermediate activity, but some smaller lesions in this region completely inactivate AmtB, as do some lesions in its cytoplasmic loops. We here provide genetic evidence that inactivation depends on the essential protease HflB, which appears to cause inactivation not as a protease but as a chaperone. Selection for restored function of AmtB is a positive selection for loss of the ATPase/chaperone activity of HflB and reveals that the conditional lethal phenotype for hflB is cold sensitivity. Deletion of only a few residues from the C terminus of damaged AmtB proteins seems to prevent HflB from acting on them. Either yields the intermediate activity of a complete C-terminal deletion. HflB apparently “tacks” damaged AmtB tails to the adjacent monomers. Knowing that HflB has intervened is prerequisite to determining the functional basis for AmtB inactivation.