Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Movement Disorders in Spinocerebellar Ataxias in a Cohort of Brazilian Patients

Background: Movement disorders (MDs) are well recognized in all subtypes of spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA), but phenomenology and frequency vary widely. Methods: Three hundred seventy-eight patients, from 169 Brazilian families, with SCAs were assessed with neurological examination and molecular genetic testing. Results: Dystonia was the most common movement disorder, found in 5.5% of all patients, particularly in SCA3. We observed Parkinsonian features in 6.6% of SCA3 patients, and myoclonus in two patients of our cohort. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that MDs are major extracerebellar manifestations of SCA. The observed phenotypes in addition to ataxia may provide significant clues for a particular SCA genotype.
Increasing Use of Inhaled Steroids Associated with Declining Asthma Mortality

Increasing worldwide asthma prevalence and mortality has led to greater advocacy of inhaled agents, especially steroids. To determine whether corresponding drug usage trends had ensued locally, wholesale data (expressed as defined daily doses (DDDs)/1000 inhabitants/day) were compared for inclusive periods 1984–1986 and 1992–1994. Whereas absolute usage of anti-asthmatics increased by 79%, proportional inhaled usage increased markedly, especially of steroids (571%) and in hospitals. An odds ratio trend analysis revealed asthma mortality from 1992 onward had declined, particularly in males (p < 0.001). In Hong Kong, despite increasing asthma prevalence, more intensive use of anti-asthmatic drugs (especially inhaled steroids) was associated with declining asthma mortality.
The reaction gamma gamma --> pi 0 pi 0 and chiral loops.

Two-photon production of a neutral-pion pair is uniquely predicted near threshold by the theory of chiral symmetry. The prediction vanishes at the tree level and is nonzero only at one-loop order, yielding a finite result without any unknown counterterms. In this paper we calculate the cross section for both on-shell and off-shell photons, as both cases can both be studied at e/sup +/e/sup -/ storage rings. This reaction is the most accessible process which directly probes the loop structure of chiral-SU(2) symmetry.
Meta-Analysis Comparing Sevelamer and Calcium-Based Phosphate Binders on Cardiovascular Calcification in Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Accelerated cardiovascular calcification often occurs in patients with cardiovascular disease who are on hemodialysis. We performed a meta-analysis to compare the effects of sevelamer hydrochloride and calcium-based phosphate binders on coronary artery calcification, C-reactive protein, alkaline phosphatase and intact parathyroid hormone in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: We used the key words ‘sevelamer’ and ‘Renagel’ to retrieve studies from Medline, the Cochrane Library and conference proceedings. The trials searched were evaluated for eligibility and quality, and then the data were abstracted and analyzed. Results: We ultimately included 14 studies that enrolled a total of 3,271 patients. There was no difference in coronary artery calcium progression between the calcium and the sevelamer groups. Use of sevelamer, rather than calcium-based phosphate binders, was associated with significantly lower C-reactive protein levels (weighted mean difference (WMD) –1.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) –2.09 to –0.74), higher alkaline phosphatase levels (WMD 22.66; 95% CI 13.81–31.5) and higher intact parathyroid hormone levels (WMD 55.85; 95% CI 14.47–97.24). Conclusions: Treatment with sevelamer did not affect cardiovascular calcification, but there was a trend for lower C-reactive protein levels, higher alkaline phosphatase levels and intact parathyroid hormone levels among sevelamer-treated patients.
Information Systems Security Policy Violation: Systematic Literature Review on Behavior Threats by Internal Agents

Systematic literature review (SLR) addresses the question of structured literature searches when dealing with a potentially large number of literature sources. An example of a large number of literature sources where SLR would be beneficial can be found in the Information systems security literature which touches on internal agents’ behavior and tendencies to violate security policies. Upon close examination, very few studies have used SLR in the work. This work presents an insightful approach to how SLR may be applicable in the domain of Information Systems security. The article presents a summary of the SLR approach contextualized in the domain of IS security in order to address such a gap. Rigor and relevance is systematized in the work through a pre-selection and coding of literature using Atlas.ti. The outcome of the SLR process outlined in this work is a presentation of literature in three pre-determined schemes namely, the theories that have been used in information systems security violations literature, categorization of security violations as presented in literature; and the contexts that these violations occur. The work concludes by presenting suggestions for future research.
Quantitative Analysis of Plasma TP53 249Ser-Mutated DNA by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

A mutation in codon 249 of the TP53 gene (249Ser), related to aflatoxin B1 exposure, has previously been associated with hepatocellular carcinoma risk. Using a novel internal standard plasmid, plasma concentrations of 249Ser-mutated DNA were quantified by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in 89 hepatocellular carcinoma cases, 42 cirrhotic patients, and 131 nonliver diseased control subjects, all from highly aflatoxin-exposed regions of The Gambia. The hepatocellular carcinoma cases had higher median plasma concentrations of 249Ser (2,800 copies/mL; interquartile range: 500-11,000) compared with either cirrhotic (500 copies/mL; interquartile range: 500-2,600) or control subjects (500 copies/mL; interquartile range: 500-2,000; P < 0.05). About half (52%) of the hepatocellular carcinoma cases had >2,500 copies of 249Ser/mL plasma, corresponding to the prevalence of this mutation in liver tumors in The Gambia. In comparison, only 15% of control group and 26% of cirrhotic participants exceeded this level (P < 0.05). Further subset analysis revealed a statistically significant, quantitative relation between diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and levels of 249Ser detected at 2,501 to 10,000 copies/mL plasma (odds ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-10.9) and at >10,000 copies/mL plasma (odds ratio, 62; 95% confidence interval, 4.7-820) when compared with control subjects and after adjusting for age, gender, recruitment site, hepatitis B and C serologic status, and total DNA concentration. Levels of >10,000 copies of 249Ser/mL plasma were also significantly associated with the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (odds ratio, 15; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-140) when compared with cirrhotic patients. Potential applications for the quantification of 249Ser DNA in plasma include estimation of long-term, cumulative aflatoxin exposure and selection of appropriate high-risk individuals for targeted intervention. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2005;14(12):2956–62)
Transition Cooling Height of High-Temperature Superconductor Levitation System

The lateral force on a rectangular permanent magnet (PM) above a cylindrical high-temperature superconductor (HTS) is numerically calculated during lateral traverses at different cooling heights (CHs). The simulations are based upon the critical state model of Bean. Our simulation results show that the lateral force on the PM is influenced by the initial cooling conditions of the HTS. This conclusion agrees with a previous experimental finding. The calculations show that there is a transition CH. The levitating body is laterally stable when the initial CH is less than the transition CH, whereas, when the initial CH is above the transition CH, the levitating body is possibly laterally unstable. The effects of the dimensions of the system, the physical parameters, and the levitating height during lateral traverses on the transition CH are presented.
Gender differences in patients with binge eating disorder.

OBJECTIVE This study examined gender differences in patients with binge eating disorder (BED). METHOD Participants were 182 adults (35 male, 147 female) who were consecutively evaluated for outpatient clinical trials and met criteria for BED as outlined in the 4th ed. of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They were administered a battery of measures to examine developmental, eating and weight-related disturbances, and psychological features associated with BED. RESULTS Men and women did not differ significantly on several developmental variables (age at first overweight, age at first diet, age at onset of regular binge eating, or number of weight cycles). Men had significantly higher current body mass index (BMI), highest adult BMI, and were significantly more likely to be classified as obese. Men and women did not differ significantly on measures of current eating disorder features (binge eating, eating concerns, weight or shape concerns) but women reported significantly greater body image dissatisfaction and drive for thinness. Men and women did not differ significantly on current depression or self-esteem but men reported a greater frequency of past drug abuse problems. DISCUSSION Although men and women who present for treatment for BED show many similarities in current eating disorder features, we observed a number of gender differences on important developmental and physical variables as well as associated psychological features.
Abundance and Diversity of Soybean-Nodulating Rhizobia in Black Soil Are Impacted by Land Use and Crop Management

ABSTRACT To investigate the effects of land use and crop management on soybean rhizobial communities, 280 nodule isolates were trapped from 7 fields with different land use and culture histories. Besides the known Bradyrhizobium japonicum, three novel genospecies were isolated from these fields. Grassland (GL) maintained a higher diversity of soybean bradyrhizobia than the other cultivation systems. Two genospecies (Bradyrhizobium spp. I and III) were distributed widely in all treatments, while Bradyrhizobium sp. II was found only in GL treatment. Cultivation with soybeans increased the rhizobial abundance and diversity, except for the soybean monoculture (S-S) treatment. In monoculture systems, soybeans favored Bradyrhizobium sp. I, while maize and wheat favored Bradyrhizobium sp. III. Fertilization decreased the rhizobial diversity indexes but did not change the species composition. The organic carbon (OC) and available phosphorus (AP) contents and pH were the main soil parameters positively correlated with the distribution of Bradyrhizobium spp. I and II and Bradyrhizobium japonicum and negatively correlated with Bradyrhizobium sp. III. These results revealed that different land uses and crop management could not only alter the diversity and abundance of soybean rhizobia, but also change interactions between rhizobia and legume or nonlegume plants, which offered novel information about the biogeography of rhizobia.
Intravenous/Intraperitoneal Paclitaxel and Intraperitoneal Carboplatin in Patients With Epithelial Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, or Peritoneal Carcinoma: A Feasibility Study

Objective This study aimed to evaluate intravenous (IV)/intraperitoneal (IP) paclitaxel and IP carboplatin (TCipTip therapy) feasibility in epithelial ovarian (EOC), fallopian tube (FTC), or peritoneal carcinoma (PC) patients. Methods From December 2007 to August 2010, 20 women with histologically confirmed stage IC to IV EOC, FTC, or PC received 6 TCipTip cycles after the primary cytoreductive surgery. Intravenous paclitaxel was administered at 135 mg/m2 followed by IP carboplatin based on the area under the curve = 6 on day 1; IP paclitaxel at 60 mg/m2 was administered on day 8. The toxicity grade was determined by CTCAE version 3.0. The institutional review board requested we reduce the IP paclitaxel dose in the first cycle to ensure safety. Results Twenty women, including 18 with EOC, 1 with stage IIC FTC, and 1 with stage IV primary PC, received TCipTip therapy. There were 12 serous, 5 endometrioid, 1 mucinous, 1 clear cell adenocarcinoma, and 1 mixed carcinoma (clear cell and endometrioid) cases. Eleven women achieved optimal status at primary surgery. Grade 3/4 hematologic toxicity incidence was 73% (neutrocytopenia), 9% (thrombocytopenia), and 24% (anemia). Grade 3/4 nonhematologic toxicities were observed in 5 patients (4 with grade 3 allergy and 1 with grade 3 ileus). Twelve patients (60%) completed more than 6 chemotherapy cycles. Reasons for interruption included paclitaxel allergy, grade 2 abdominal pain, carboplatin allergy during the seventh cycle, disease progression, pleural embolism, ileus, and address change. Conclusions Toxicities for TCipTip therapy were acceptable; this therapy is feasible for EOC, FTC, or PC patients. Further TCipTip therapy evaluation is warranted.
SMARCB1-deficient Vulvar Neoplasms: A Clinicopathologic, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Genetic Study of 14 Cases

Loss of expression of the SMARCB1 (INI1/BAF47/SNF5) tumor-suppressor protein, originally identified in pediatric malignant rhabdoid tumors, has been noted in significant percentages of epithelioid sarcomas of classical and proximal-type and in myoepithelial carcinomas. Epithelioid sarcoma and myoepithelial carcinoma are very rare in the vulvar region, and few of these cases have been evaluated for SMARCB1 protein loss by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or for SMARCB1 gene alterations by molecular genetic techniques. We studied the clinicopathologic, IHC, and molecular genetic features of 14 SMARCB1-deficient vulvar neoplasms. All available routinely stained sections were reexamined, and IHC analysis for wide-spectrum cytokeratins, high–molecular weight cytokeratins, epithelial membrane antigen, S100 protein, CD34, smooth muscle actin, desmin, and SMARCB1 was performed. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and DNA sequencing of the SMARCB1 gene was performed on 12 cases with sufficient available tissue. The 14 vulvar tumors occurred in adult women (mean age 46 y, range 22 to 62 y) and measured 1.1 to 8.8 cm in size (mean 4.7 cm). Tumors were classified as classical-type epithelioid sarcoma (N=1), proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma (N=6), myoepithelial carcinoma (N=4), and “SMARCB1-deficient vulvar sarcoma, not otherwise specified” (N=3) on the basis of combined histopathologic and IHC findings. One myoepithelial carcinoma showed divergent rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. All tested cases showed partial or complete SMARCB1 deletions (homozygous: 9 cases; heterozygous: 3 cases). One case with a heterozygous deletion also showed a c.528delC mutation in exon 5. Fluorescence in situ hybridization for EWSR1 rearrangement was performed for 3 cases classified as myoepithelial carcinoma and was negative. Follow-up (13 patients, range 5 to 72 mo, mean 31 mo) data showed 3 patients dead of disease, 1 alive with unresectable metastatic disease, 1 alive with radiographic evidence of extensive lymph nodal disease, and 8 alive without disease. We conclude that SMARCB1-deficient vulvar neoplasms chiefly comprise epithelioid sarcoma and myoepithelial carcinoma, although some defy easy classification. No association was seen between clinical behavior and the type of SMARCB1 alteration.
Courtship behavior in Drosophila.

remain to be discovered. Amazingly, 25% of the known species are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (12). Drosophila have a number of characteristics which enhance their value for behav­ ioral studies. They are small but not minute organisms (2-7 mm), have a short generation time (10-30 days), and an adult life span of several weeks to several months. Many species can be successfully reared and maintained in the laboratory. Single-pair matings are easily achiev ed, and thus flies of known pedigree can be studied. Field-captured specimens of species which cannot be bred in the laboratory can be maintained for periods of time in healthy condition on normal laboratory diets so that their behaviors may be studied. Significantly, laboratory-reare d or maintained specimens
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Sudanese women ’ s relatives . ”

Dr. Nagah Abdelwahab Ahmed Mohamed . Abstract: Introduction: A total of 200 apparently healthy adult Sudanese females aged 40-50 years were invited to participate in this study. Materials &Methods: Participants were classified into two groups, non-obese, and obese (BMI-C:< 25 and >30kg/m2) based on WHO,1997. At (P<0.05) Diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity were recorded among obese women’s relatives more than non-obese ones. Chi test value were (0.030, 0.01, 0.00) respectively. While, cardiovascular diseases and sudden death, revealed no significant differences between participants relatives. Results& conclusion: Chi test values were (0.08, 0.07) respectively. Obese women have greater relatives with metabolic syndrome. So this genetic factor should be taken in consideration during their life span and routine biochemical investigation should be introduced in order to control diseases silent stage. Prevention of obesity is also advisable.
Avidity of IgG antibodies to human herpesvirus‐6 distinguishes primary from recurrent infection in organ transplant recipients and excludes cross‐reactivity with other herpesviruses

A newly developed IgG antibody avidity test for human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) was used in a study of primary and recurrent HHV-6 antibody responses in immunocompromised solid organ graft recipients. In a primary HHV-6 infection low avidity antibody was detected which matured to high avidity within 5 months whereas, in contrast, high avidity antibody was found in three recurrent infections thus showing the ability of the test to discriminate between primary and recurrent infection in immunosuppressed patients. Six HHV-6 seropositive transplant patients who experienced a subsequent primary human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection had high avidity concurrent HHV-6 antibody rises, thus excluding a cross-reaction from the low avidity antibodies generated in the primary CMV response and providing evidence of recurrent HHV-6 infection. Four further HHV-6 seropositive patients with proven primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection were also studied; in each of these cases high avidity HHV-6 antibody rises were seen likewise suggesting recurrent HHV-6 infection. The test is therefore of value in the investigation of herpesvirus infections in transplant patients.
Sickness certification system in the United Kingdom: qualitative study of views of general practitioners in Scotland

Abstract Objectives To explore how general practitioners operate the sickness certification system, their views on the system, and suggestions for change. Design Qualitative focus group study consisting of 11 focus groups with 67 participants. Setting General practitioners in practices in Glasgow, Tayside, and Highland regions, Scotland. Sample Purposive sample of general practitioners, with further theoretical sampling of key informant general practitioners to examine emerging themes. Results General practitioners believed that the sickness certification system failed to address complex, chronic, or doubtful cases. They seemed to develop various operational strategies for its implementation. There appeared to be important deliberate misuse of the system by general practitioners, possibly related to conflicts about roles and incongruities in the system. The doctor-patient relationship was perceived to conflict with the current role of general practitioners in sickness certification. When making decisions about certification, the general practitioners considered a wide variety of factors. They experienced contradictory demands from other system stakeholders and felt blamed for failing to make impossible reconciliations. They clearly identified the difficulties of operating the system when there was no continuity of patient care. Many wished either to relinquish their gatekeeper role or to continue only with major changes. Conclusions Policy makers need to recognise and accommodate the range and complexity of factors that influence the behaviour of general practitioners operating as gatekeepers to the sickness certification system, before making changes. Such changes are otherwise unlikely to result in improvement. Models other than the primary care gatekeeper model should be considered.
Effect of tween 80 on hydrolytic activity and substrate accessibility of carbohydrolase I (CBH I) from Trichoderma viride

The present study examined the effects of Tween 80 on the attachment and hydrolytic activity of a cellulase enzyme against ball-milled cellulose (BMC), using the whole component (native CBH I) and the catalysis module (core CBH I) of carbohydrolase I purified from Trichoderma viride (Meicelase, Meiji Seika, Tokyo, Japan). The effects were evaluated as protein concentrations in the supernatant after mixing enzyme and substrate with Tween 80 at room temperature. Tween 80 decreased the adsorption of native CBH I and core CBH I onto BMC (p<0.001) and increased the amount of reducing sugars released from BMC by native CBH I (p<0.001). However, Tween 80 did not enhance the hydrolytic activity of core CBH I. Observations using SEM revealed that Tween 80 caused cellulose filter paper to swell and enhanced surface cracks and filaments caused by native CBH I but not by core CBH I. These results suggested that Tween 80 decreases enzyme adsorption to its substrate but enhances enzymatic activity. (Asian- Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2006. Vol 19, No. 5 : 684-689)
Purification and characterization of xylanase A from Clostridium stercorarium F-9 and a recombinant Escherichia coli.

Xylanase A encoded by the Clostridium stercorarium F-9 xynA gene was purified to homogeneity from a recombinant clone of Escherichia coli. The N-terminal amino acid sequence and molecular weight (54,000) estimated by SDS-PAGE of the purified enzyme were consistent with those deduced from the nucleotide sequence [Biosci. Biotech. Biochem. , 57, 273-277 (1993)]. A xylanase was also purified to homogeneity from a culture supernatant of C. stercorarium F-9. Its N-terminal amino acid sequence, molecular weight, and enzymatic properties were quite in agreement with those of the recombinant enzyme, indicating that the xynA gene was predominantly expressed as a xylanase gene in C. stercorarium F-9. The purified enzyme hydrolyzed xylotriose to yield xylobiose and xylose while it was less active toward xylobiose. It was optimally active at 75 degrees C and pH 7.0 Km and Vmax were estimated to be 1.9 mg/ml and 2.8 mumol of xylose equivalent/min/micrograms for oat spelt xylan, respectively.
The nature of the [C II] emission in dusty star-forming galaxies from the SPT survey

We present [C ii] observations of 20 strongly lensed dusty star-forming galaxies at 2.1 20 mJy) from the South Pole Telescope (SPT) survey, with far-infrared (FIR) luminosities determined from extensive photometric data. The [C ii] line is robustly detected in 17 sources, all but one being spectrally resolved. 11 out of 20 sources observed in [C ii] also have low-J CO detections from Australia Telescope Compact Array. A comparison with mid- and high-J CO lines from Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array reveals consistent [C ii] and CO velocity profiles, suggesting that there is little differential lensing between these species. The [C ii], low-J CO and FIR data allow us to constrain the properties of the interstellar medium. We find [C ii] to CO(1–0) luminosity ratios in the SPT sample of 5200 ± 1800, with significantly less scatter than in other samples. This line ratio can be best described by a medium of [C ii] and CO emitting gas with a higher [C ii] than CO excitation temperature, high CO optical depth τ_CO(1–0) ≫ 1, and low to moderate [C ii] optical depth τ_[CII]≲ 1. The geometric structure of photodissociation regions allows for such conditions.