Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prospective Study of Sequential Reduction in Immunosuppression, Interferon Alpha-2B, and Chemotherapy for Posttransplantation Lymphoproliferative Disorder

Background. Several interventions can cure posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD); a sequential approach is usual, starting with reduction in immunosuppressives (RI). The efficacy of RI remains poorly defined, particularly in adults. We assessed an algorithm starting with a defined course of RI in all patients, escalating to interferon (IFN) alpha2b, and finally to chemotherapy, in a prospective multicenter phase II study of adult solid organ transplant recipients. The design predated rituximab. Methods. Reduction in immunosuppressives: cyclosporine or tacrolimus reduction by 50% for 2 weeks; a further 50% reduction for 1 week if not in complete remission (CR). Intravenous acyclovir was given for the duration of all RI. Patients with less than CR, or any rejection, resumed immunosuppressives and proceeded to IFN 3 MIU/m2/day for up to 3 months; if less than CR, ProMACE-CytaBOM chemotherapy. Results. Twenty patients were registered over 60 months; 16 patients with biopsy-proven PTLD were eligible (13 heart, 3 kidney recipients). Median age was 47 (24–75) years. Reduction in immunosuppressives resulted in only 1 of 16 partial responses (12.5%), no CR. Progressive disease occurred in 8 of 16 (50%) and 6 of 16 (38%) experienced rejection. Only 1 of 13 (7%) patients achieved durable CR with IFN. Seven eligible patients received ProMACE-CytaBOM chemotherapy, five of seven (67%) achieving CR, four of five durable beyond 2 years. Conclusions. Reduction in immunosuppressives produced no CR, progressive disease and rejection were frequent; response to IFN was rare. A strong case can be made for adding rituximab to RI as initial therapy. Chemotherapy resulted in 57% durable CR, data that are relevant for the up to two thirds of PTLD patients who are refractory to rituximab.
The Efficiency of Peer Teaching of Developing Non Verbal Communication to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

This study aimed at identifying the efficiency of peer teaching of developing non – verbal communication to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study was carried out on a sample of (10) children with autism spectrums disorder(ASD), diagnosed according to basics and criteria adopted at Al – taif qualification center at (2013) in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(KSA) . The sample was divided into two (5) students groups, experimental and control. Researchers prepared peer teaching sessions and non – verbal communication scale and established its validity and reliability significances, Mann Whitney and Wilcoxon test in testing research hypothesis. Results showed statistically significant differences at (α≤0.05) Level in experimental group due to peer teaching, of developing non verbal communication, efficiency to children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD), however these differences were not found in experimental group on the scale at (2) month follow-up experiment, indicating the peer teaching efficiency effect On non verbal communication to children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD) lasted after terminating the program. Keywords : peer teaching, non verbal communication , autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Glycosylation of neuraminidase determines the neurovirulence of influenza A/WSN/33 virus

The neuraminidase (NA) gene of influenza A/WSN/33 (WSN) virus has previously been shown to be associated with neurovirulence in mice and growth in Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells. Nucleotide sequence analysis has indicated that the NA of WSN virus lacks a conserved glycosylation site at position 130 (corresponding to position 146 in the N2 subtype). To investigate the role of this carbohydrate in viral pathogenicity, we used reverse genetics methods to generate a Glyc+ mutant virus, in which the glycosylation site Asn-130 was introduced into the WSN virus NA. Unlike the wild-type WSN virus, the Glyc+ mutant virus did not undergo multicycle replication in MDBK cells in the absence of trypsin, presumably because of lack of cleavage activation of infectivity. In contrast, revertant viruses derived from the Glyc+ mutant were able to replicate in MDBK cells without exogenous protease. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that the NAs of the revertant viruses had lost the introduced glycosylation site. In contrast to wild-type and revertant viruses, the Glyc+ mutant virus was not able to multiply in mouse brain. These results suggest that the absence of a glycosylation site at position 130 of the NA plays a key role in the neurovirulence of WSN virus in mice.
The Impact of Leader-Member Exchange Quality, Empowerment, and Core Self-evaluation on Nurse Manager's Job Satisfaction

Objective: The purpose of this study is to test a theoretical model linking nurse managers' perceptions of the quality of the relationship with their supervisors, and empowerment to job satisfaction, and to examine the effect of a personal dispositional variable, core self-evaluation, on the relationships among these variables. Background Data: Nursing leadership roles have been transformed as a result of dramatic changes within healthcare in the past decade, yet research on the nature of nurse manager work life in current work environments is limited. Methods: A nonexperimental, predictive design was used in a sample of 141 hospital-based nurse managers obtained from a provincial registry. Results: Approximately 40.4% of the variance in job satisfaction was explained by leader-member exchange quality (LMX), empowerment, and core self-evaluation. Conclusion: Higher quality relationships with their immediate supervisor were associated with greater manager structural and psychological empowerment and, consequently, greater job satisfaction. Core self-evaluation played a strong significant role, affecting all components of the model. The results suggest that both situational and personal factors are important determinants of satisfying work environments for nurse managers.
Does speech rhythm sensitivity predict children's reading ability 1 year later?.

There is a growing literature demonstrating that speech rhythm sensitivity is related to children's reading development, independent of phonological awareness. However, the precise nature of this relationship is less well understood, and further research is warranted to investigate whether speech rhythm sensitivity predicts the different components of reading over time. In this 1-year longitudinal study, 69 five- to 8-year-old English-speaking children completed a speech rhythm assessment at Time 1 along with other cognitive assessments and then completed a variety of reading assessments at Time 2 (1 year later). A series of hierarchical regression analyses revealed that after controlling for individual differences in age, vocabulary, and phonological awareness, speech rhythm sensitivity was able to predict unique variance in word reading and the phrasing component of the reading fluency measure 1 year later. The findings emphasize the contribution of speech rhythm sensitivity in children's reading development, and the authors argue that speech rhythm sensitivity should now be included in current models of children's reading development.
Earthquake doublet sequences: Evidence of static triggering in the strong convergent zones of Taiwan

Three earthquake sequences, each with two main earthquakes of almost the same magnitudes (ML from 5.9 to 7.0 with differences less than 0.1), have recently been observed in Taiwan. The two largest earthquakes in each sequence occurred with a short delay time between them, were strikingly similar in terms of magnitude, location and/or focal mechanism and are referred to as doublets. They were markedly distinct from typical single mainshock sequences. Our estimated static stress field generated by the first shock in the doublet shows that the second shock and most of their aftershocks were located within a region where static stress increased substantially. Thus, a possible explanation for earthquake doublet is that seismic energy for each shock had accumulated independently within adjacent crustal volumes, separated by an asperity, and that the second shock is triggered by the increased static stress after the first one. An important implication of doublet sequence is that works by emergency response teams after the first earthquake could be made more hazardous by the second.
Understanding the psychosocial needs of HIV-infected children and families: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE This study aims to engage children living with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers in a qualitative assessment to address psychosocial needs pertaining to this population. The purpose is to identify unique situations and concerns they experienced in dealing with the disease and ongoing treatment process. MATERIAL AND METHOD Individual in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide were employed. RESULTS Thirty-four children (12 boys and 22 girls) aged 8-16 and thirty-five primary caretakers (6 males and 29 females) aged 21-66 participated in this study. Results identified some of the common concerns and challenges shared among this population, including impact of the illness on loved ones, disclosure, adherence, behavioural problems, discrimination, treatment affordability, and financial constraints. Certain issues that emerged as important themes specific to this population include unwarranted concerns about certain aspects of the illness, misinterpretation of the nonverbal clues within families, future child guardianship and placement planning, treatment availability during transitional period, and the challenge of maintaining the confidentiality of the diagnosis. CONCLUSION The needs and suggestions of the target groups provided the framework for improving the current services such as the provision of private sessions with children separated from their caregivers (especially for older children and adolescents), disclosure intervention, behavioral screening, life skills building, and empowerment mobilization. Thus, the information gained can be used to facilitate the holistic and humanized health care provision for children living with HIV/AIDS.
Task-based information searching

La prise en compte de la tâche en vue de laquelle une recherche d'information a ete entreprise est necessaire a une meilleure comprehension du processus de recherche et, par extension, a l'amelioration de la conception de systemes. L'A. passe en revue les etudes portant sur les relations entre la performance de tâche et le processus de recherche, notamment dans l'environnement electronique. La litterature sur la recherche d'information presente differentes conceptions de la tâche, telle que l'analyse de tâche, et differents types d'objectifs de recherche. La modelisation du processus de recherche doit prendre en compte ces tâches et les caracteristiques du systeme. Il existe differents modeles et theories reliant les caracteristiques des tâches et la recherche d'information, - ASK (Anomalous State of Knowledge), analyse cognitive du travail, modele de Kulthau, theorie cognitive, modele comportemental d'Ellis ou encore modele berry-picking (cueillette de fruits) de Bates. L'A. rapporte egalement les resultats d'etudes empiriques portant sur les relations entre performance de tâche et divers aspects de la recherche d'information (utilisation des sources, besoin d'information, tactique de recherche). Intervient egalement l'evaluation par l'utilisateur de la pertinence et de l'utilite de l'information obtenue par rapport a la tâche a accomplir. Enfin, l'A. s'interesse aux outils facilitant le processus de recherche, tels que l'elargissement de la question.
Progression of myopia in Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren is slowed by wearing progressive lenses.

PURPOSE In Chinese societies, primary and secondary schoolchildren perform large amounts of reading and homework and thus spend long periods performing near work during their growth years. Progressive lenses, which can permit a focused retinal image at distance, intermediate, and near, without accommodation, may slow the development of myopia. This paper reports results of a 2-year longitudinal study to examine the effects of progressive lenses on myopia progression in myopic Chinese children; these children were aged between 9 and 12 years at the beginning of the study. METHODS Prestudy vision screening tests and five examinations, which included noncycloplegic refraction, were conducted at half-yearly intervals. Of those who completed the study, 32 children wore single vision (SV) lenses (the SV group) and 36 wore progressive lenses; of the latter, 22 wore a +1.50 D addition (the P1 group) and 14 wore a +2.00 D addition (the P2 group). Refractive error, corneal curvature, axial length, vitreous depth, and intraocular pressure were measured at every examination. Height was measured as an index of general growth. RESULTS Progressive lenses significantly retarded the progression of the myopia in these children. Initially, the mean refractive error of the SV group was -3.67 D, of the P1 group was -3.73 D, and of the P2 group was -3.67 D. The mean myopic progressions over the 2 years of the study were -1.23, -0.76, and -0.66 D for the SV, P1, and P2 groups, respectively. CONCLUSION Progressive lenses reduce the progression of myopia. It may be that the interaction of the progressive lenses with the accommodation system is the cause of this reduction in myopia progression because the +2.00 D addition appeared more effective than the +1.50 D addition in slowing the progression.
Molecular Epidemiological and Antibiotic Susceptibility Characterization of Brucella Isolates from Humans in Sicily, Italy

ABSTRACT Brucellosis is a serious problem in Sicily. Brucella melitensis was identified as the species most frequently isolated in humans in Italy. No data, however, are available about the molecular epidemiological characterization of Brucella isolates from humans. We have conducted this study to molecularly characterize clinical isolates of Brucella spp. and to evaluate their antimicrobial susceptibilities. Twenty Brucella isolates were studied. Differential growth characteristics and DNA polymorphisms such as the restriction patterns of the PCR-amplified omp2a and omp2b genes, rpoB nucleotide sequencing, and multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis of 16 loci (MLVA-16) were used to characterize the strains. In vitro antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the E-test method on two different agar media, and the results were compared. All isolates were identified as B. melitensis biovar 3. rpoB nucleotide sequence analysis allowed the identification of two different genotypes of B. melitensis biovar 3. On the other hand, the MLVA-16 typing assay recognized 17 distinct genotypes. All isolates were sensitive to all tested antibiotics (rifampin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole), and the Mueller-Hinton agar plate is recommended for antibiotic susceptibility testing by the E-test method. Our findings identify B. melitensis biovar 3 as the etiological agent isolated in Sicily and encourage the use of both molecular methods, and in particular of the MLVA-16 assay, in epidemiological trace-back analysis. This study represents the first epidemiological data from molecular typing of Brucella strains circulating in Italy and, in particular, in eastern Sicily.
Determination of Cyanobacterial Diversity during Algal Blooms in Daechung Reservoir, Korea, on the Basis of cpcBA Intergenic Spacer Region Analysis

ABSTRACT The detection and prevention of cyanobacterial blooms are important issues in water quality management. As such, the diversity and community dynamics of cyanobacteria during cyanobacterial bloom in the Daechung Reservoir, Korea, were studied by analyzing the intergenic spacer (IGS) region between phycocyanin subunit genes cpcB and cpcA (cpcBA IGS). To amplify the cpcBA IGS from environmental samples, new PCR primers that could cover a wider range of cyanobacteria than previously known primers were designed. In the samples taken around the bloom peak (2 September 2003), seven groups of cpcBA IGS sequences were detected, and none of the amplified cpcBA IGSs was closely related to the cpcBA IGS from chloroplasts. Apart from the Microcystis-, Aphanizomenon (Anabaena)-, Pseudanabaena-, and Planktothrix (Oscillatoria)-like groups, the three other groups of cpcBA IGS sequences were only distantly related to previously reported sequences (<85% similarity to their closest relatives). The most prominent changes during the bloom were the gradual decrease and eventual disappearance of the Aphanizomenon (Anabaena)-like group before the bloom peak and the gradual increase and sudden disappearance of Planktothrix (Oscillatoria)-like groups right after the bloom peak. The community succession profile obtained based on the cpcBA IGS analysis was also supported by a PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of the 16S rRNA genes.
Task complexity, posture, age, sex: Which is the main factor influencing manual laterality in captive Cercocebus torquatus torquatus?

Behavioural asymmetries reflect brain asymmetry in nonhuman primates (NHP) as in humans. By investigating manual laterality, researchers can study the evolution of brain hemisphere specialisation. Three dominant theories aim to establish an evolutionary scenario. The most recent theory relates different levels of manual laterality to task complexity. Our investigation aimed to evaluate the importance of two extrinsic factors (posture and the need for manual coordination) and two intrinsic factors (age and sex) on the expression of manual laterality by red-capped mangabeys. We observed 19 captive-born mangabeys, in spontaneous situations and under experimental conditions (seven experimental tasks varying in complexity). No directionality was observed in hand preference at the group level whatever the task. But our data revealed an effect of task complexity: more subjects were lateralised than not lateralised for the bipedal task and for the three most complex tasks. Finally, we evidenced an age and a sex effect. We compare our results with data for several other primate species and discuss them in the light of different manual laterality theories.
Computer Simulation of the Stockmayer Fluid

Das Gas-isotrope/ferroelektrische Flussigkeits-Phasenverhalten wurde fur das Stockmayer-Fluid mit Hilfe von Molekulardynamik-Simulationen fur eine grose Auswahl von Dipolstarken untersucht. Im Gegensatz zu fruheren Ergebnissen, die auf Monte-Carlo-Techniken basierten, konnte kein Verschwinden der Gas-Flussigkeits Koexistenz fur grose Dipolstarken beobachtet werden. Obwohl die Bildung reversibler Dipolketten die Lage des kritischen Punktes stark beeinflusst, fuhrt sie nicht zu dessen Verschwinden. Zusatzlich zu den Simulationsergebnissen wird eine Theorie prasentiert, die die Abhangigkeit des Gas-Flussigkeits kritischen Punktes im Stockmayer-Fluid von der Dipolstarke beschreibt. Die Theorie basiert auf der Flory-Huggins Gittertheorie fur Polymere in Verbindung mit einem Transfermatrix-Modell fur isolierte Ketten von reversibel gebundenen dipolaren Teilchen. Wir zeigen, dass die Verschiebung des kritischen Punktes in Abhangigkeit von der Kettenlange, stark dem Verhalten des kritischen Punktes in gewohnlichen Polymersystemen ahnelt. Speziell das Abfallen der kritischen Dichte mit steigender Dipolstarke ist eine Konsequenz aus der Existenz von reversiblen Dipolketten am kritischen Punkt. Des Weiteren wurden die dielektrischen Eigenschaften des Stockmayer-Fluids untersucht und die Temperatur des Ubergangs von isotroper zur ferroelektrisch geordneter Flussigkeit in reduzierten Einheiten bestimmt. Diese ist fur einen grosen Bereich von Dipolstarken gultig.
Introducing Protection at Birth (Pab) Method of Monitoring Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) Vaccination Coverage of Mothers in Ghana

The use of the protection-at birth (PAB) method to assess tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccination status of mothers in the routine immunization program is not yet introduced in Ghana. PAB is rather estimated using the WHO-UNICEF model which is currently at 88%. As part of efforts to introduce the PAB method in the routine immunization reporting system in the country, WHO supported the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to pilot the PAB method in two districts (Wassa East and Mpohor) in the Western region between April and September 2014. The pilot was not to evaluate the WHO-UNICEF model of estimation but to explore the feasibility of introducing and implementing the natural PAB process of data collection and analysis into the country’s routing monthly data collection process. Objective: The main objective was to document the process, challenges and cost implications for introducing the PAB method as a primary data source at the health facility level in the country. Method: Six month exploratory study conducted in the two districts to determine the feasibility and challenges such as training needs of staff and cost implications that may be associated with the introduction and implementation of the PAB method in the country. Td vaccination status of mothers attending post-natal clinic (PNC) and whether the newborn child was protected from neonatal tetanus before delivery was assessed using a checklist by trained health staff which was later compiled and analyzed. Results: Of 2455 mothers interviewed in the two districts during the six month period, 2015 (representing 82.1%) received Td vaccination in their last pregnancy. History (81.7%) formed the main source of information. Children protected at birth from the assessment totalled 2027 (82.6%) which is close to WHO-UNICEF annual estimates (now at 88%). Conclusions: PAB can be implemented as a routine monthly activity at the facility level when the reporting forms are revised and the field staff are adequately trained and supervised effectively. Once capacity has been built for PAB determination through the routine system at country level, the use of WHO-UNICEF estimation method may not be very much required as a regular activity. Other countries with similar challenges can draw on the lessons from this pilot programme and introduce the routine process.
Effect of light‐load resistance exercise on postprandial amino acid transporter expression in elderly men

An impaired amino acid sensing is associated with age‐related loss of skeletal muscle mass. We tested whether light‐load resistance exercise (LL‐RE) affects postprandial amino acid transporter (AAT) expression in aging skeletal muscle. Untrained, healthy men (age: +65 years) were subjected to 13 h of supine rest. After 2 1/2 h of rest, unilateral LL‐RE was conducted (leg extensions, 10 sets of 36 repetitions) at 16% 1RM. Thereafter, the subjects were randomized into groups that orally ingested 40 g of whey protein either as hourly drinks (4 g per drink) (PULSE, N = 10) or two boluses (28 g at 0 h and 12 g at 7 h) (BOLUS, N = 10), or hourly isocaloric maltodextrin drinks (placebo, N = 10). Quadriceps muscle biopsies were taken at 0, 3, 7, and 10 h postexercise from both the resting and exercised leg, from which the membrane protein and mRNA expression of select AATs were analyzed by Western Blot and RT‐PCR, respectively. LAT1 and PAT1 protein expression increased in response to LL‐RE in the PULSE group, and SNAT2 and PAT1 protein expression increased in the BOLUS group when plasma BCAA concentration was low. In all three groups, LL‐RE increased LAT1 mRNA expression, whereas a time course decrease in SNAT2 mRNA expression was observed. LL‐RE increased membrane‐associated AAT protein expression and mRNA expression. Altered AAT protein expression was only seen in groups that ingested whey protein, with the greatest effect observed after hourly feeding. This points toward an importance of AATs in the anabolic response following LL‐RE and protein intake.