Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of Mycobacterium avium complex strains and some similar species by high-performance liquid chromatography

Strains of Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare, Mycobacterium scrofulaceum, Mycobacterium xenopi, and Mycobacterium gordonae were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of mycolic acids as bromophenacyl esters. HPLC criteria were used to develop a flow chart identification scheme, which was evaluated in our laboratory with a set of 234 strains representing five species and a hitherto undescribed species. Correct identifications of M. gordonae and M. xenopi were easily made. Flow chart differentiation of M. avium, M. intracellulare, and M. scrofulaceum was done with 97.9, 97.5, and 89.2% accuracies, respectively. Independent evaluation of the flow chart at a separate laboratory demonstrated an overall identification accuracy of 97% for M. avium complex. Strains that have been described biochemically as being intermediate between M. avium-M. intracellulare and M. scrofulaceum were identified as one or the other of these known species. Strains which were negative with the species-specific radioactive probe for M. avium complex but which were positive with the nonradioactive SNAP X probe were usually identified as M. intracellulare and M. scrofulaceum but rarely as M. avium.
Biochemical markers of bone metabolism during distance running in healthy, regularly exercising men and women

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of long distance running on bone metabolism, using the biochemical markers ICTP (the carboxyterminal cross‐linked telopeptide of type I collagen), PICP (the carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen), osteocalcin and bALP (bone specific alkaline phosphatase) as well as parathyroid hormone (PTH) and serum calcium. Twenty healthy, regularly exercising individuals, 10 women and 10 men, participated in a running competition. The mean age was 38 (range 22–55) and 39 (range 22–53) years respectively, the performed distance 15 (range 5–30) and 28 (range 15–30) km respectively, with a speed of 5:30, 5:02 per kilometer respectively. Fasting blood samples were drawn in the morning the day before the race, and also the day after and two days after. A decrease of PICP concentrations among women was evident the day after the competition (from 170±17 μ/l to 158±17 μg/l) which returned to pre‐exercise levels two days after the race (167±19 μg/l). Furthermore, a decrease of osteocalcin could be seen in the men one day after the exercise (from 12.1± 1.1 μg/l to 10.3±1.1 μg/l). In the men, there was also an increase of ICTP concentrations two days after (3.98±0.35 μg/l) this long‐term and demanding exercise, when compared with pre‐exercise levels (3.67±0.28). One single bout of longterm, exhaustive running exercise in well‐trained men and women seems to induce a temporary inhibition of bone formation as well as a stimulation of bone resorption.
Enhancement of Humoral Immunity by Interleukin‐12

We have found that IL-12 treatment of mice leads to long-lasting enhancement in production of most antibody isotypes in conventional B-cell responses. Initial recruitment of new B-cell clones into the response is mediated by IFN-gamma, but subsequent enhancement of Ig secretion appears to be IFN-gamma-independent. We have further found that activated B cells can directly bind IL-12. Taken together, our results suggest a two-step model for the role of IL-12 in enhancement of humoral immunity. Initially, IL-12 induces production of IFN-gamma from Th1 and NK cells. Enough cytokine can be produced from either cell type to then mediate gamma 2a heavy chain isotype switching as well as temporary suppression of IgG1 production. IL-12 further stimulates post-switched cells, including cells producing IgG1, to secrete greatly increased amounts of antibody. This step is not mediated by IFN-gamma but might be due to direct IL-12 binding to activated B lymphocytes. Depletion of B1 cells by IL-12 may further enhance antibody responsiveness since B1 cells are known to competitively inhibit Ig secretion by conventional B cells. The end result is that IL-12 causes a generalized upregulation in production of all antibodies and therefore acts as a strong adjuvant for humoral as well as cellular immunity.
Increase in minimal residual disease in peripheral blood before clinical relapse in dogs with lymphoma that achieved complete remission after chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND We developed previously a minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring system in dogs with lymphoma by exploring a highly sensitive real-time PCR system. OBJECTIVES To identify the change in MRD before clinical relapse in dogs with lymphoma that achieved complete remission after chemotherapy. ANIMALS Twenty dogs with multicentric high-grade B-cell lymphoma. METHODS MRD levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured by real-time PCR amplifying the rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain gene. MRD measurement and clinical assessment were performed every 2-4 weeks for 28-601 days after completion of chemotherapy. An increase in MRD was defined as an increase by more than 0.5, calculated by log₁₀ [copy number of MRD per 10⁵ PBMCs], based on the uncertainty level observed in a canine lymphoma cell line. RESULTS During the follow-up period, 15 dogs relapsed in 28-320 days (median, 120 days) after completion of chemotherapy. An increase in MRD was detected 2 weeks or more before relapse in 14 of the 15 dogs, but an increase in MRD before relapse could not be detected in the remaining 1 dog. The time from increased MRD to clinical relapse was 0-63 days (median, 42 days). In contrast, no increase in MRD was detected in 5 dogs that did not experience clinical relapse. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE An increase in MRD can be detected before clinical relapse in dogs with lymphoma. Application of early reinduction therapy based on an increase in MRD before clinical relapse may improve treatment outcome in canine lymphoma.
Ryanodine receptors in human pancreatic β cells: localization and effects on insulin secretion

It is clear that pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction, including basal hyperinsulinemia and reduced insulin release in response to glucose, is a key determinant of disease progression in type 2 diabetes, but the underlying molecular defects are not known. In diabetes, the expression and function of ryanodine receptor (RyR) Ca2+ release channels are reduced. The present studies were undertaken to define the subcellular location and role of RyR in the control of stimulated and basal insulin release from human pancreatic β cells. Using confocal microscopy, we observed RyR immunoreactivity in a vesicular pattern. RyRs did not colocalize with insulin secretory granules but partially colocalized with endosomes. Direct activation with nanomolar concentrations of ryanodine evoked increases in cytosolic Ca2+ that were coupled to transient insulin release. Insulin release stimulated by 1 nM ryanodine was sensitive to BAPTA‐AM preincubation but independent of thapsigargin‐sensitive endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ pools. Blocking RyRs with micromolar concentrations of ryanodine led to BAPTA‐resistant insulin release that was not associated with an increase in cytosolic Ca2+, which implicated alterations in luminal Ca2+. However, neither Ca2+ signals nor insulin release stimulated by glucose was blocked by 10–50 µM ryanodine, which suggests that the CD38/cyclic ADP‐ribose/RyR pathway is not a primary mechanism of glucose action in nontransformed β cells. We provide the first evidence that RyRs directly control insulin secretion in primary β cells. Unexpectedly, stimulation of insulin secretion by ryanodine occurs independently of glucose and by two mechanisms, including a novel cytosolic Ca2+‐independent mechanism likely involving changes in Ca2+ within the lumens of non‐ER organelles, such as endosomes.
Ti-GO-Ag nanocomposite: the effect of content level on the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity

Surface modification of titanium (Ti) implants are extensively studied in order to obtain prominent biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity, especially preventing implant-associated infection. In this study, Ti substrates surface were modified by graphene oxide (GO) thin film and silver (Ag) nanoparticles via electroplating and ultraviolet reduction methods so as to achieve this purpose. Microstructures, distribution, quantities and spectral peaks of GO and Ag loading on the Ti sheets surface were characterized. GO-Ag-Ti multiphase nanocomposite exhibited excellent antimicrobial ability and anti-adherence performance. Subsequently, morphology, membrane integrity, apoptosis and relative genes expression of bacteria incubated on the Ti samples surface were monitored to reveal the bactericidal mechanism. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of Ti substrates incorporating GO thin film and Ag nanoparticles were investigated. GO-Ag-Ti composite configuration that have outstanding antibacterial properties will provide the foundation to study bone integration in vitro and in vivo in the future.
Towards Linguistically Generalizable NLP Systems: A Workshop and Shared Task

This paper presents a summary of the first Workshop on Building Linguistically Generalizable Natural Language Processing Systems, and the associated Build It Break It, The Language Edition shared task. The goal of this workshop was to bring together researchers in NLP and linguistics with a carefully designed shared task aimed at testing the generalizability of NLP systems beyond the distributions of their training data. We describe the motivation, setup, and participation of the shared task, provide discussion of some highlighted results, and discuss lessons learned.
The dependence of Hyalomma aegyptium on its tortoise host Testudo graeca in Algeria

Hyalomma aegyptium (Linnaeus, 1758) (Ixodida: Ixodidae) has recently been confirmed as a carrier of numerous pathogenic, including zoonotic, agents. Four environmentally distinct regions of Algeria, located between the humid coastal zone and the arid Saharan Atlas range, were selected in order to compare differences in tick abundance among localities, and the correlations between tick abundance and host population characteristics and other environmental conditions. Sampling was carried out during May and early June in 2010–2012. A total of 1832 H. aegyptium were removed from 201 tortoises. Adult ticks accounted for 52% of the collection. In the pre‐adult stages, larvae were dominant. Data on prevalence, intensity (mean ± standard deviation, range) and abundance of tick infestation were calculated for each locality. Locally, prevalences reached 100%. The sex ratio was biased in favour of males (4.2). Intensities of infestation differed significantly among the localities studied for all developmental stages of the tick. The intensity of infestation by adult ticks was positively correlated to the size of the tortoise and with tortoise population density in the habitat. However, findings for immature tick stages were independent of both variables. No significant correlations between infestation intensities and the climatic parameters tested were found. Immature ticks were observed to prefer the front parts of their tortoise hosts, whereas the majority of adults were attached to the rear parts.
FDG gamma camera PET equipped with one inch crystal and XCT

Summary Metabolic imaging with 2-[fluorine-18]-fluoro- 2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) is actually considered as the best method to detect and quantitatively assess myocardial tissue viability. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of FDG gamma camera positron emission tomography (GCPET) imaging equipped with one inch NaI crystals in comparison to FDG dedicated PET (dPET) imaging as a „gold standard“ in phantom and clinical studies. Patients, methods: Nineteen patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent both imaging modalities. Phantom and clinical GCPET imaging were performed with a dual-headed, coincidence based gamma camera equipped with 1 inch thick NaI crystals and an x-ray tube (XCT) for attenuation correction (AC), as well as with a dedicated PET scanner with AC. 99mTc tetrofosmin single-photon emission tomography (SPET) studies were performed for assessment of myocardial perfusion, with AC. Results: Phantom studies showed a significant relation in segmental activity between FDG imaging with AC using GCPET and dPET (r = 0.91, p <0.001). In clinical studies with AC correlation coefficients of mean segmental FDG uptake and regional defect size were r = 0.87 (p <0.0001) and r = 0.83 (p <0.0001), respectively. In regional analysis close agreement was even found in the most attenuated regions of the heart if AC was used in GCPET imaging. The overall agreement for detection of viable myocardium was 81% between FDG-dPET (AC) and FDG-GCPET (AC) and 74% between FDG-dPET (AC) and FDG-GCPET (NC). Conclusion: This study suggests that the assessment of myocardial metabolism by means of FDG is feasible with a coincidence based gamma camera equipped with 1 inch thick NaI crystals if AC is performed. The results reveal a close concordance and agreement between FDG-dPET (AC) and FDG-GCPET (AC) as compared to FDG-GCPET (NC).
Measuring the prevalence of intradialytic hypotension in a satellite dialysis clinic: Are we too complacent?

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To measure the prevalence of symptomatic (S-IDH) and asymptomatic intradialytic hypotension (A-IDH) or postdialysis overhydration in a satellite haemodialysis clinic in Western Australia. BACKGROUND Intradialytic hypotension is one of the most common side effects of haemodialysis caused by ultrafiltration provoking a temporary volume depletion. The prevalence of asymptomatic hypotension during dialysis has been rarely reported, but is considered to have the same negative consequences as symptomatic hypotension on various end organs like the brain and the gastrointestinal tract. DESIGN Observational study on a retrospective 3-month period of nursing recorded fluid-related adverse events. METHODS Data collection on the occurrence of S-IDH and A-IDH during a total of 2,357 haemodialysis treatments in 64 patients. Body weight of patients at the time of cessation of treatment was recorded, and patients, whose weight exceeded their ideal body weight by at least 0.5 kg, were classified as overhydrated. Data analysis was performed using spss version 24 software. RESULTS Symptomatic intradialytic hypotension was the most common adverse event measured in this cohort, and occurred during 221 (9.4%) of all treatments, whereas asymptomatic intradialytic hypotension occurred in 88 (3.7%) of all treatments. The total occurrence of intradialytic hypotension was 13.1%, and symptomatic was observed in 30 patients, implying that nearly every second patient had at least one symptomatic episode within 3 months. Overhydration occurred in a total of 103 (4.4%) of all treatments, and involved 17 patients. CONCLUSIONS Symptomatic and asymptomatic intradialytic hypotension were the most commonly observed adverse events in this cohort; overhydration occurrence was considerably less common. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The high occurrence of hypotension-related events demonstrates that ultrafiltration treatment goals in satellite dialysis clinics are sometimes overestimated, resulting in regular significant symptomatic episodes for the patient. Raising the awareness of the prevalence of IDH amongst renal nurses could be an essential initial step before collectively preventative strategies in haemodialysis satellite units are implemented.
Self-Reported Digital Literacy of the Pharmacy Workforce in North East Scotland

In their day-to-day practice, pharmacists, graduate (pre-registration) pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, dispensing assistants and medicines counter assistants use widely available office, retail and management information systems alongside dedicated pharmacy management and electronic health (ehealth) applications. The ability of pharmacy staff to use these applications at home and at work, also known as digital literacy or digital competence or e-skills, depends on personal experience and related education and training. The aim of this research was to gain insight into the self-reported digital literacy of the pharmacy workforce in the North East of Scotland. A purposive case sample survey was conducted across NHS Grampian in the NE of Scotland. Data collection was based on five items: sex, age band, role, pharmacy experience plus a final question about self-reported digital literacy. The study was conducted between August 2012 and March 2013 in 17 community and two hospital pharmacies. With few exceptions, pharmacy staff perceived their own digital literacy to be at a basic level. Secondary outcome measures of role, age, gender and work experience were not found to be clear determinants of digital literacy. Pharmacy staff need to be more digitally literate to harness technologies in pharmacy practice more effectively and efficiently.
Oral Health Attitudes and Practices of the Elderly People in South East Local Government Area (SELGA) In Ibadan

The aetiology of many dental diseases is influenced by behavioral and lifestyle factors. It is the aim of this study to determine the oral health attitude and practices of the elderly people in SELGA in Ibadan, Nigeria.The study was conducted on 690 randomly selected individuals from 23 wards in SELGA. Two trained interviewers interviewed them on their oral health knowledge attitude and practices.Positive attitude was demonstrated towards care of the teeth, infection of the gum and regular cleaning of the teeth (99.3%, 88.1%, 97%) and negative attitude towards dental treatment (74.6% ). Majority (59.86%) clean their teeth twice daily but only 13% visit the dental clinic regularly and 65.7% have not been to the dental clinic before.Whilst there was strong correlation between frequency of tooth cleaning and attitude to tooth cleaning, the desire to visit the dental clinic (84.2%) did not translate into regular dental clinic attendance. Keywords: Oral Health, Attitudes, Practices, Elderly.
Short-term Outcomes for the Treatment of Heroin Dependence: Findings From the Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS)

AimsTo examine drug use, crime, physical and mental health at 3 months postentry to treatment for heroin dependence. DesignLongitudinal cohort study. SettingSydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, Australia. ParticipantsSeven hundred forty-five individuals recruited on entry to treatment for heroin dependence in the 3 main treatment modalities (methadone/buprenorphine maintenance therapy; detoxification; residential rehabilitation), and 80 heroin users who were not seeking treatment at baseline. MeasurementsStructured questionnaires were used to measure drug use, crime, psychopathology, and physical health. At 3 months 10% of the cohort were randomly selected and provided a hair sample as a biologic measure of heroin use for the month preceding interview. FindingsA 3-month follow-up rate of 88% (n=728) was achieved. There were substantial reductions in heroin use, polydrug use, injection-related risk-taking, heroin overdose, and criminal activity, as well as improvements in physical and mental health. Improvements were less marked among the nontreatment group. There was strong concordance between the cohort's self-reported heroin use and hair analysis results. Positive outcomes tended to be associated with a greater cumulative number of treatment days, and fewer treatment episodes. ConclusionsTreatment works in the short term. Greater treatment exposure was related to improvements across a range of outcomes.
A study of long-stay patients resettled in the community after closure of a psychiatric hospital in Italy.

OBJECTIVE This study examined the outcomes of all patients who were discharged from an Italian psychiatric hospital into community residences three to four years after discharge. METHODS The total population of Antonini Mental Hospital near Milan on January 1996 (N=337) was assessed by using the expanded Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and the overall social behavior and social role functioning sections of the Disability Assessment Schedule. The hospital closed in 1999, and all patients who were resettled in the community were reassessed in September 2002. Residential stability, use of inpatient services, and mortality were also investigated. RESULTS Of the 337 patients, 64 died before discharge, 110 were transferred to nursing homes, and 163 were discharged to the community. The follow-up of patients who moved to the community showed no differences in psychopathology or social role functioning. In terms of overall social behavior, a significant increase was observed in the number of patients with mild or no disability, and a corresponding decrease was observed in the number with moderate disability. Most patients showed residential stability. The rate of postdischarge mortality was low, and there were no deaths due to accident or suicide. The number of admissions to acute psychiatric wards was limited. CONCLUSIONS A population characterized by a long history of illness and severe disability underwent a radical change in care setting and living arrangement with favorable outcomes, as indicated by the absence of adverse events or clinical deterioration and by some improvement in social behavior. The results confirm that most long-stay patients can successfully leave psychiatric hospitals and live in community residences.
Analysis of capacity and coverage region for Rayleigh fading MIMO relay channel

In this paper, we consider Rayleigh fading MIMO relay channel with channel state information at the receivers. First, we extend the previously obtained results for the ergodic capacity of uncorrelated and semi‐correlated MIMO channels and derive closed‐form expressions for the capacity bounds of MIMO relay channel. Next, we study this channel from a new point of view, maximizing coverage region for a desired transmission rate, and investigate the optimal relay location in the sense of maximizing coverage region. However, in order to overcome the mathematical complexity in desired transmission rate analysis, because of the randomness of the multiple antenna channel matrices, we evaluate this rate by using an existing exact formula and also by an approximation we find in the high signal‐to‐noise ratio regime. Numerical results show a perfect match between the Monte Carlo simulations and the obtained analytical closed‐form expressions and also confirm the effectiveness of our approach in cooperative vehicular communication for determining optimal relay location at which the coverage region is maximum. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.