Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sublingual immunotherapy with a latex extract in paediatric patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study

ABSTRACT Background: Natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy remains an important allergic disease triggering urticaria, asthma, angioedema and anaphylaxis. Specific immunotherapy can help to solve problems related to NRL allergy. So far, no controlled clinical trials have been performed in children suffering from NRL allergy. Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with a commercial NRL extract in children with NRL allergy. Research design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12‐month trial. Patients and methods: Twenty-six children (aged 4–15 years) with NRL allergy, who had cutaneous and/or respiratory symptoms, including oral allergy syndrome to fruits containing cross-reactive allergens, were recruited. Twelve children were randomized to SLIT with a commercial NRL extract and eight to placebo (3:2). An additional six children with NRL allergy served as untreated controls. Main outcomes measures: A glove use test was utilized to monitor skin and systemic symptoms triggered by NRL exposure at baseline and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months later. Oral allergy symptoms were also monitored. Results: No side effects related to treatments were observed in any patient. A significant improvement of symptom score in treated patients in comparison with baseline values was observed at 3 months ( p = 0.01) and consolidated after 1 year of treatment ( p = 0.0005). In comparison with placebo, significant improvements were observed starting at 9 months from study start ( p = 0.015) and at 12 months ( p = 0.005). The number of foods triggering oral allergy symptoms increased in placebo and control subjects, but not in active treated patients ( p = 0.05). Conclusion: Latex SLIT was safe and efficacious in paediatric patients with NRL allergy.
Is the persistent sodium current a specific target of anti-absence drugs?

The persistent Na+ current (INaP) has been proposed as the putative target of the anti-absence antiepileptic drugs. Accordingly, the effect of reference anti-absence drugs ethosuximide (ESM) and valproate (VPA), and of the new antiepileptic drug levetiracetam (LEV), on INaP have been tested in CA1 hippocampal neurons and compared to the classic anticonvulsant phenytoin (PHT) and the neuroprotective agent riluzole (RIL). Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of the slowly inactivating current, fully characterized as INaP, were performed with a standard voltage-step protocol on thin hippocampal slices prepared from rat brain. Both PHT (100 μM) and RIL (10 μM) strongly depressed INaP, whereas ESM (1 mM) induced a slight decrease of INaP and VPA (1 mM) had no effect. Likewise, 60- min perfusion with relevant concentrations of LEV (10, 32 or 100 μM) did not modify INaP. In conclusion, these data question the impact of INaP depression as an anti-absence mechanism, and also discalim the involvement of INaP in the antiepileptic mechanism of LEV.
Actin‐depolymerizing factor, ADF/cofilin, is essentially required in assembly of Leishmania flagellum

ADF/cofilins are ubiquitous actin dynamics‐regulating proteins that have been mainly implicated in actin‐based cell motility. Trypanosomatids, e.g. Leishmania and Trypanosoma, which mediate their motility through flagellum, also contain a putative ADF/cofilin homologue, but its role in flagellar motility remains largely unexplored. We have investigated the role of this protein in assembly and motility of the Leishmania flagellum after knocking out the ADF/cofilin gene by targeted gene replacement. The resultant mutants were completely immotile, short and stumpy, and had reduced flagellar length and severely impaired beat. In addition, the assembly of the paraflagellar rod was lost, vesicle‐like structures were seen throughout the length of the flagellum and the state and distribution of actin were altered. However, episomal complementation of the gene restored normal morphology and flagellar function. These results for the first time indicate that the actin dynamics‐regulating protein ADF/cofilin plays a critical role in assembly and motility of the eukaryotic flagellum.
The Influence of Surface Free-energy on Planimetric Plaque Growth in Man

The purpose of this study was to examine the change in plaque area over nine days in vivo on four materials with different surface free-energies (s.f.e.). Twelve healthy dental students participated in a crossover, split-mouth, double-blind study. Supragingival plaque formation was recorded over a nine-day period, on four different materials: fluorethylenepropylene (Teflon) (FEP), parafilm (PAR), cellulose acetate (CA), and enamel (E) with s.fe. of 20, 26, 57, and 88 erg/cm2, respectively. Strips made from the first three materials were stuck to the buccal surface of an upper incisor. The remaining incisor was carefully polished and served as an enamel surface. The increase in plaque was evaluated after three, six, and nine days. A planimetrical analysis was used so that the plaque area could be expressed as a percentage of the total buccal tooth surface. This procedure was repeated on each subject, so that at the end, each pair of central or lateral incisors received the four tested materials. The results indicated that the adherence of micro-organisms on pellicle-coated substrata was influenced by the material's s.f. e. ; there was an association between the s.f. e. of the substrata and the supragingival plaque extension in vivo. High surface free-energy substrata in the oral cavity attracted more micro-organisms than did low energetic materials. Additionally, the bacterial adhesion seemed very weak on surfaces with a low s.f. e.
Multivariate feature analysis of sonographic findings of metastatic cervical lymph nodes: contribution of blood flow features revealed by power Doppler sonography for predicting metastasis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Sonographic criteria of the lymph node have been found to be good indicators for metastatic lymph nodes. We determined which sonographic features are most predictive of metastasis in cervical lymph nodes among patients with head and neck cancer. METHODS Gray-scale and power Doppler sonograms were retrospectively analyzed in 133 cervical lymph nodes (57 metastatic and 76 reactive nodes) from 52 patients with head and neck cancer. The gray-scale sonographic features of the presence or absence of hilar echoes, parenchymal echogenicity, and short and long axis lengths as well as the power Doppler features of normal hilar flow and abnormal parenchymal flow were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the relative value of each sonographic feature. RESULTS At univariate analysis, all sonographic features assessed were found to be important. Multivariate analysis, however, suggested that the presence or absence of hilar echoes, increases in short axis length, and the presence of normal hilar flow were the only sonographic features that were predictive of reactive (presence of hilar echoes and hilar flow) and metastatic (increases in short axis length) lymph nodes. Although multivariate analysis did not indicate any significant contribution of the color-flow criteria for predicting metastatic nodes, the color-flow criteria appeared to improve the overall diagnostic accuracy for the less experienced observer. CONCLUSION The sonographic criteria most predictive of metastatic cervical lymph nodes were absent hilar echoes and increases in short axis length, as assessed by logistic regression analysis. Compared with these gray-scale criteria, color-flow criteria had fewer predictive advantages.
Autism characteristics in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Background: Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) exhibit difficulties in many cognitive and behavioral domains and also have high comorbidity with other disorders such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder as well as autism. Although the FASD profile is shown to be distinct from ADHD and conduct disorder, far less is known about the commonalities with autism. The current study used a parent-rated questionnaire containing an autism subscale to explore the autistic-like features that children with FASD exhibit. Methods: Studied were 25 children with FASD (age: M = 10.3 years) and 17 normal controls (NCs; age: M = 10.2 years). As part of a larger study, all parents/caregivers completed the Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS; Gresham & Elliot, 2008), which in addition to evaluating social skills and behavior problems globally, includes an Autism subscale. Results: Between-group comparisons showed the FASD group not only scored significantly lower in social skills and significantly higher in behavior problems than the NC group but children with FASD also scored significantly higher on the Autism subscale. Item analysis revealed they showed the most difficulty in terms of social and communicative functioning and the least in repetitive and restrictive behaviors. Conclusion: Current findings signify that FASD and autism share similarities with regard to social and communicative functioning. These findings, which further our knowledge of the FASD phenotype, may be useful in specifying the particular interventions these children need.
Opioid sparing effect and safety of nefopam in patient controlled analgesia after laparotomy: A randomized, double blind study

Objectives A double-blind randomised study to evaluate the opioid sparing effect and safety of nefopam when administered via intravenous patient controlled analgesia (PCA) with fentanyl. Methods Patients planned for elective open laparotomy, were randomly assigned to receive into fentanyl 25 µg/ml (SF group) or nefopam 2.4 mg/ml plus fentanyl 25 µg/ml (NF group). Patients were assessed before surgery and for 24 h postoperatively. Results Total PCA fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in the NF group (n = 35) than the SF group (n = 36). Pain scores were significantly lower and patients’ satisfaction with treatment significantly better in the NF group than the SF group. Dry mouth and dizziness were significantly more frequent in the NF group than the SF group. There were no other statistically significant between-group differences in the incidence of adverse events. Conclusions Intravenous PCA using nefopam + fentanyl following laparotomy has an opioid sparing effect and is associated with a low incidence of some of the typical opioid related adverse events. Trial registry Clinicaltrials.gov Registration No: NCT02596269
Insights into the Pathogenesis of Asthma Utilizing Murine Models

Asthma is a common syndrome in children and adults. Despite the increasing prevalence and socioeconomic burden, the underlying pathophysiology remains poorly defined in a large percentage of asthmatics. Animal models and, in particular, murine models of allergic airway disease have helped to reveal some of the potential underlying mechanisms and have played an important role in identifying the importance of T cells and TH2 cytokines in development of allergen-induced inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. In addition, other cell types including mast cells and eosinophils have been implicated in the development of some aspects of the disease. To further understand this complex syndrome, the development of animal models which mimic elements of this chronic airway disease is essential.
Computer Forensics Field Triage Process Model

With the proliferation of digital based evidence, the need for the timely identification, analysis and interpretation of digital evidence is becoming more crucial. In many investigations critical information is required while at the scene or within a short period of time - measured in hours as opposed to days. The traditional cyber forensics approach of seizing a system(s)/media, transporting it to the lab, making a forensic image(s), and then searching the entire system for potential evidence, is no longer appropriate in some circumstances. In cases such as child abductions, pedophiles, missing or exploited persons, time is of the essence. In these types of cases, investigators dealing with the suspect or crime scene need investigative leads quickly; in some cases it is the difference between life and death for the victim(s). The Cyber Forensic Field Triage Process Model (CFFTPM) proposes an onsite or field approach for providing the identification, analysis and interpretation of digital evidence in a short time frame, without the requirement of having to take the system(s)/media back to the lab for an in-depth examination or acquiring a complete forensic image(s). The proposed model adheres to commonly held forensic principles, and does not negate the ability that once the initial field triage is concluded, the system(s)/storage media be transported back to a lab environment for a more thorough examination and analysis. The CFFTPM has been successfully used in various real world cases, and its investigative importance and pragmatic approach has been amply demonstrated. Furthermore, the derived evidence from these cases has not been challenged in the court proceedings where it has been introduced. The current article describes the CFFTPM in detail, discusses the model’s forensic soundness, investigative support capabilities and practical considerations.
Evaluating Technical Efficiency of Nursing Care Using Data Envelopment Analysis and Multilevel Modeling

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is an advantageous non-parametric technique for evaluating relative efficiency of performance. This article describes use of DEA to estimate technical efficiency of nursing care and demonstrates the benefits of using multilevel modeling to identify characteristics of efficient facilities in the second stage of analysis. Data were drawn from LTCFocUS.org, a secondary database including nursing home data from the Online Survey Certification and Reporting System and Minimum Data Set. In this example, 2,267 non-hospital-based nursing homes were evaluated. Use of DEA with nurse staffing levels as inputs and quality of care as outputs allowed estimation of the relative technical efficiency of nursing care in these facilities. In the second stage, multilevel modeling was applied to identify organizational factors contributing to technical efficiency. Use of multilevel modeling avoided biased estimation of findings for nested data and provided comprehensive information on differences in technical efficiency among counties and states.
One Big Thing: Britain, Its Empire, and Their Imperial Culture

O of the most interesting scholarly moves in British studies of the past decade or so has been the reemergence of the empire as a focus of historical and cultural interest. Indeed, I think the empire may be just the tonic needed to revitalize the intellectual arteries of the field—an elixir that many thought would be provided by the poststructuralist “linguistic turn” of the 1980s and 1990s. But even the most cursory acquaintance with the theoretical foundations of the linguistic turn was enough to reveal its conceptual weaknesses as a guide to historical practice. Indeed, its foremost deficit was precisely an inability to accommodate histories of empire. Its extreme idealism, for example, precluded reading empire as an economic or political system, let alone as a series of diverse encounters and associations. Still, poststructuralism did leave one valuable legacy; it encouraged a focus on culture, a focus that is very evident in the renewed interest in empire in British history. The imperial turn is unlikely to suffer the same fate as the linguistic turn. Empire, after all, has continually returned to Britain, particularly since HMS Windrush tied up at Southampton Dock in 1948. Immigration is, of course, integral to Britain’s past, tying its experiences to spheres beyond the nation itself. Of the different domains where Britain’s history can be located—the Isles themselves, Europe, the North Atlantic—the imperial dimension has claims to be the most significant. After all, from its beginning in the sixteenth century, the very idea of Britain was an imperial construction. Britain itself was a result of the process of English imperialism and competition against the weaker, but no less evident, imperialism of Scotland. From the later seventeenth century, therefore, it is a thoroughly rea-
‘Don’t talk to me’: effects of ideologically homogeneous online groups and politically dissimilar offline ties on extremism

This study analyzes cross-sectional data obtained from respondents in neo-Nazi online discussion forums and textual data from postings to these forums. It assesses the impact of participation in radical and homogeneous online groups on opinion extremism and probes whether this impact depends on political dissimilarity of strong and weak offline ties. Specifically, does dissimilarity attenuate (as deliberative theorists hope) or rather exacerbate (as research on biased processing predicts) extreme opinions? As expected, extremism increases with increased online participation, likely due to the informational and normative influences operating within online groups. Supporting the deliberative and biased processing models, both like-minded and dissimilar social ties offline exacerbate extremism. Consistent with the biased processing model, dissimilar offline ties exacerbate the effects of online groups. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
The common information of two dependent random variables

The problem of finding a meaningful measure of the "common information" or "common randomness' of two discrete dependent random variables X,Y is studied. The quantity C(X; Y) is defined as the minimum possible value of I(X, Y; W) where the minimum is taken over all distributions defining an auxiliary random variable W \in \mathcal{W} , a finite set, such that X, Y are conditionally independent given W . The main result of the paper is contained in two theorems which show that C(X; Y) is i) the minimum R_0 such that a sequence of independent copies of (X,Y) can be efficiently encoded into three binary streams W_0, W_1,W_2 with rates R_0,R_1,R_2 , respectively, [\sum R_i = H(X, Y)] and X recovered from (W_0, W_1) , and Y recovered from (W_0, W_2) , i.e., W_0 is the common stream; ii) the minimum binary rate R of the common input to independent processors that generate an approximation to X,Y .
Microinjection of L-lactate in the preretinal vitreous induces segmental vasodilation in the inner retina of miniature pigs.

PURPOSE The authors investigated the hypothesis that the retinal vasomotor effect of acute hypoxia is mediated by lactate. METHODS Retinal vasomotor arteriolar response was measured in the intact eyes of miniature pigs after systemic administration and after local preretinal juxta-arteriolar microinjection of lactate. RESULTS Injection of L-lactate (physiologically produced lactate) into the systemic circulation decreased the arterial blood pH but did not dilate the retinal arterioles. By contrast, microinjections of L-lactate (0.5 mol/l, pH 2) into the juxta-arteriolar vitreous induced a reversible segmental vasodilation of 32 +/- 4% (standard deviation). This vasodilation did not depend on periarteriolar pH lowering because microinjections of a 0.5 mol/l L-lactate at neutral pH also dilated segmentally the retinal arterioles (37 +/- 5.5%). The effect of lactate was stereospecific because microinjections of the isomer D-lactate (0.5 mol/l, pH 2) did not affect the arteriolar caliber (P = 0.63). Perfusion of the eye with the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, through cannulization of the sublingual artery, caused a generalized reversible arteriolar vasoconstriction of 51 +/- 9.8% but did not inhibit the segmental vasodilator effect of locally microinjected L-lactate. CONCLUSIONS It is known that acute hypoxia in the isolated retina causes an increase in lactate production. In the intact eye, there is a retinal vasodilation, which is not inhibited by indomethacin. Hence, it was concluded that retinal, but not blood, lactate is a possible mediator of the acute hypoxia-induced vasodilation.
Springtime ENSO phase evolution and its relation to rainfall in the continental U.S.

Springtime El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phase evolution and associated U.S. rainfall variability are explored by performing composite analysis of observational data. Although the tropical Pacific ENSO sea surface temperature anomalies are weaker and less coherent in boreal spring compared to those in winter, there are unique and significant patterns of U.S. rainfall anomalies frequently appearing during the onset and decay phases of ENSO. In early spring of a decaying El Niño, the atmospheric jet stream and associated storm track shift southward, causing more frequent wet conditions across the southern U.S. and dry conditions in a belt south and east of the Ohio River. In late spring of a developing El Niño, the synoptic activity over the U.S. reduces overall and the southwesterly low‐level winds that carry moist air from the Gulf of Mexico to the U.S. shift westward, causing a similar dipole of rainfall anomalies between the southern U.S. and the Ohio Valley.
FAULT MODELING FOR THE TESTING OF MIXED INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

The goal of the research described in this paper is to introduce a fault-modeling technique for simulating defective analog components in Mixed Analog/Digital Integrated Circuits. The proposed fault- modeling strategy has been implemented to develop analog fault models representing the effect of spot defects in CMOS circuits. Results from an initial study of opamps are summarized and detailed results from onc example are included as an illustration of the fault- modeling process. 1 Introduction Application of analog components within large digital systems - a typical configuration in modern mixed analog/digital IC's - generates many new challenges in both design and testing areas (l), (2), (3), (4). EspccialIy difficult to solve are testing problems due to the observability limitations caused by the nature of the boundary between the digital and analog components of mixed IC's. Although there are many mixcd IC testing problems, this paper focuses on only one of them - a strategy of fault simulation. More specifically, this paper introduces a fault- modeling methodology which could be applied to capture the malfunctioning of analog components in mixed IC's. The goal of the reported research is to develop fault models that enable efficient simulation of the entire mixed IC by using a technique that is as close as possible to traditional digital circuit simulation techniques. Hence, this paper concentrates solely on the fault- modeling technique. It is organized in the following way. In Section 2, the general fault-modeling methodology developed for analog components of mixed IC's is introduced. In Section 3, an implementation of this methodology for CMOS technology is described in morc detail. Finally, in Section 4, an attempt to generalize obtained results is made in order to determine the practicality of the proposed fault-modeling methodology. This section also gives a list of problems to be solved in the subsequent research dealing with testing of mixcd analog/digital integrated circuits.