Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human papillomavirus is detected in transitional cell carcinoma arising in renal transplant recipients

Aims: We investigated the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the development of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) arising in renal transplant recipients. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from 10 µm paraffin embedded sections of five TCCs arising in five renal transplant recipients using the QIAamp DNA mini kit according to the manufacturer's instructions. β‐globin PCR was performed to test DNA adequacy. Samples were tested for the presence of HPV DNA by broad spectrum HPV PCR method using non‐biotinylated SPF10 primers (SPF1A, SPF1B, SPF1C, SPF1D, SPF2B, SPF2D) which amplify a short 65 bp fragment. Positive bands were identified on a 3% gel. Positive samples underwent a second HPV PCR and were amplified using biotinylated SPF10 primer set, which amplifies the same 65 bp region of the L1 open reading frame. INNO‐LiPA line probe assay was then performed to genotype the samples which uses a reverse hybridisation principle. Results: Four of five TCCs examined were positive for HPV. The high risk HPV16 was detected in three cases whereas in the fourth case an unclassifiable HPV genotype was present. In all DNA samples, β‐globin amplification was successful. Conclusions: Our results indicate that HPV and in particular HPV16 may play an aetiological role in the development of TCC in renal transplant patients.
EVALUATION OF DIAGNOSTIC POTENTIAL OF Rv3803c AND Rv2626c RECOMBINANT ANTIGENS IN TB ENDEMIC COUNTRY PAKISTAN

To overcome and eliminate tuberculosis (TB), definitive, reliable, and rapid diagnosis is mandatory. Presently, the diagnostic potential of acute and latent stage TB specific antigens i.e., Rv3803c and Rv2626c was determined. Immunogenic recombinant genes of Rv3803c and Rv2626c antigens were cloned in bacterial expression vector pET23b and expressed product was purified. The homogeneity and structural integrity was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Diagnostic potential of Rv3803c and Rv2626c antigens was analyzed using the sera of 140 active TB patients (AFB smear positive) by indirect ELISA. Ten patients of leprosy and 94 healthy individuals were taken as disease and normal control respectively. The data was analyzed using R statistical package. The sensitivity and specificity of Rv3803c in active TB patients was of 69.3% and 76.4% respectively with an area under ROC curve of 0.77, whereas sensitivity and specificity of Rv2626c 77.1% and 85.1%, respectively. The area under ROC curve of Rv2626c was 0.89 which was significantly higher than Rv3803c (p < 0.0001). Recombinant antigens Rv3803c and Rv2626c have potential to be used as diagnostic markers for TB and need to evaluate with other antigens for differential diagnosis of TB.
Apparent diffusion coefficient of the superior cerebellar peduncle differentiates progressive supranuclear palsy from Parkinson's disease

The early diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) may be challenging, because of clinical overlapping features with Parkinson's disease (PD) and other parkinsonian syndromes such as the Parkinsonian variant of multiple system atrophy (MSA‐P). Conventional MRI can help in differentiating parkinsonian disorders but its diagnostic accuracy is still unsatisfactory. On the basis of the pathological demonstration of superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP) atrophy in patients with PSP, we assessed the SCP apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in patients with PSP, PD, and MSA‐P in order to evaluate its differential diagnostic value in vivo. Twenty‐eight patients with PSP (14 with possible‐PSP and 14 with probable‐PSP), 15 PD, 15 MSA‐P, and 16 healthy subjects were studied by using diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). ADC was calculated in regions of interest defined in the left and right SCP by two clinically blinded operators. Intrarater (r = 0.98, P < 0.001) and interrater reliability (r = 0.97; P < 0.001) for SCP measurements were high. Patients with PSP had higher SCP rADC values (median 0.98 × 10−3mm2/s) than patients with PD (median 0.79 × 10−3 mm2/s, P < 0.001), MSA‐P (median 0.79 × 10−3 mm2/s, P < 0.001), and healthy controls (median 0.80 × 10−3 mm2/s, P < 0.001). DWI discriminated patients with PSP from PD and healthy subjects on the basis of SCP rADC individual values (100% sensitivity and specificity) and from patients with MSA‐P (96.4% sensitivity and 93.3% specificity). The higher values of rADC in SCP of patients with PSP correspond with the in vivo microstructural feature of atrophy detected postmortem and provide an additional support for early discrimination between PSP and other neurodegenerative parkinsonisms. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Use of automated telephone disease management calls in an ethnically diverse sample of low-income patients with diabetes.

OBJECTIVE We examined whether low-income patients with diabetes were able and willing to use automated telephone disease management (ATDM) calls to provide health status information that could improve the quality of their care. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 252 adults with diabetes, 30 of whom spoke Spanish as their primary language, were enrolled at the time of clinic visits in a Department of Veterans Affairs health care system (n = 132) or a county health care system (n = 120). Patients received ATDM calls for 12 months and responded to queries using their touch-tone telephones. We examined 1) whether patients completed ATDM assessments consistently over the year and used the calls to report their self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) levels, 2) the characteristics of patients most likely to use the system frequently, 3) whether patients responded consistently within ATDM assessments, and 4) whether ATDM assessments differentiated among groups of patients with different clinical profiles at baseline. RESULTS Half of all patients completed at least 77% of their attempted assessments, and one-fourth completed at least 91%. Half of all patients reported SMBG levels during at least 86% of their assessments. Patients completed assessments and reported glucose levels consistently over the year. Health status indicators were the most important determinants of assessment completion rates, while socioeconomic factors were more strongly associated with patients' likelihood of reporting SMBG data during assessments. Patients' responses within assessments were consistent, and the information they provided during their initial assessments identified groups with poor glycemic control and other health problems. CONCLUSIONS Most low-income patients with diabetes can and will use ATDM calls as part of their care. The information they provide is reliable and has clinical significance. ATDM calls could improve the information base for diabetes management while relieving some of the pressures of delivering diabetes care under cost constraints.
Written Emotional Expression Produces Health Benefits in Fibromyalgia Patients

Objective: Written expression of traumatic experiences, an intervention found to have health benefits in rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and breast cancer, was tested in a randomized, controlled trial with female fibromyalgia patients. It was hypothesized that relative to controls, patients engaging in the writing intervention would experience improved status on psychological well-being and physical health variables. Methods: Patients (N = 92) were randomized into a trauma writing group, a control writing group, or usual care control group. The two writing groups wrote in the laboratory for 20 minutes on 3 days at 1-week intervals. Psychological well-being, pain, and fatigue were the primary outcome variables. Assessments were made at pretreatment, posttreatment, 4-month follow-up, and 10-month follow-up. Results: The trauma writing group experienced significant reductions in pain (effect size [ES] = 0.49) and fatigue (ES = 0.62) and better psychological well-being (ES = 0.47) at the 4-month follow-up relative to the control groups. Benefits were not maintained at the 10-month follow-up. Conclusion: Fibromyalgia patients experienced short-term benefits in psychological and health variables through emotional expression of personal traumatic experiences. ED = written emotional disclosure; RA = rheumatoid arthritis; QOL = Quality of Life Scale; STAI-S = state version, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; BDI = Beck Depression Inventory; MOS = Medical Outcome Study; CLINHAQ = Clinical Health Assessment Questionnaire; FIQ = Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire; VAS = visual analogue scale; NW = neutral writing group; UC = usual-care control group; ANOVA = analysis of variance; ES = effect size.
Does Chewing Gum Shorten the Duration of Postoperative Ileus in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery and Creation of a Stoma?

BACKGROUND Postoperative ileus is a temporary disturbance in gastric and bowel motility following surgery. The risk for postoperative ileus following gastrointestinal and urinary ostomy surgery is significant because both procedures require extensive surgical manipulation and reconstruction of the bowel. Chewing gum is advocated for treatment because it acts as sham feeding, potentially stimulating gastric and bowel motility through repetitive stimulation of the cephalic-vagal complex. OBJECTIVES This Evidence-Based Report Card reviews and evaluates evidence related to the safety and efficacy of chewing gum as an intervention to reduce the duration of postoperative ileus. SEARCH STRATEGY We systematically reviewed the electronic databases CINAHL and MEDLINE from January 1996 to November 2009, using the terms “ileus” and “chewing gum. ” We also searched the ancestry of the 21 articles returned by this review and searched Google Scholar. We included any study or meta-analysis of multiple studies that compared chewing gum to no treatment in patients undergoing abdominal surgery and creation of an intestinal or urinary stoma. We evaluated the following outcome measures: (1) time to passage of flatus, (2) time to passage of stool, or (3) length of hospital stay. Three meta-analyses and 4 studies met inclusion criteria. RESULTS Results of meta-analyses support the use of chewing gum for treatment of postoperative ileus. Chewing gum was consistently found to reduce time to passage of flatus and stool. One meta-analysis found that chewing gum reduced hospital stay but two found no difference. Analysis of studies reveal mixed results when chewing gum was compared to standard postoperative care in patients undergoing surgical reconstruction including ostomy surgery or creation of an orthotopic neobladder. The studies we reviewed were characterized by multiple limitations in design quality including small sample sizes, absence of multicenter trials, and lack of subanalyses of patients undergoing ostomy surgery. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Current best evidence suggests that chewing gum should be offered to selected patients with the intent of decreasing postoperative ileus. A careful nursing assessment of the patient's mental status, aspiration risk, and dentition is needed before initiating the intervention. In addition, further research is needed to develop more clearly defined parameters for chewing gum including frequency and duration of chewing and its use in patients with nasogastric tubes.
Long-term trends in childhood infectious disease mortality rates.

OBJECTIVES This study assessed long-term trends in US childhood infectious disease mortality rates (CIDMR). METHODS We calculated age-adjusted and age group-specific US CIDMR (1968-1996) by using data from the Compressed Mortality File (1968-1992, 1996) and Multiple Cause of Death Files (1993-1995) of the National Center for Health Statistics and English data for historical comparison (1861-1964). RESULTS US CIDMR declined continuously from 1968 to 1996, although the rate of decline slowed after 1974. Respiratory and central nervous system categories declined most; HIV-related deaths offset these declines somewhat. CONCLUSIONS CIDMR declined nearly 200-fold between 1861 and 1996, but no substantive improvement occurred after 1986.
Subclinical Peritubular Capillaritis at 3 Months Is Associated With Chronic Rejection at 1 Year

Background. Peritubular capillaritis has been associated with chronic rejection, but the characteristics of subclinical lesions in peritubular capillaries are unknown. Methods. Fifty-three renal allograft recipients underwent a protocol biopsy at both 3 and 12 months after transplantation. Subclinical chronic antibody-mediated rejection (CAMR) at 1 year was diagnosed when three or more of five criteria were present: basement membrane multilayering of peritubular capillaries (MLPTC), transplant glomerulopathy, increase in intimal fibrosis between 3 and 12 months, C4d deposition in peritubular capillaries, and the presence of anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies. Results. Six (11.3%) patients met the criteria of CAMR. MLPTC was the most sensitive (83.3%) and specific (89.1%) histological criterion (P=0.0008). Five patients had peritubular capillaritis at their 3-month biopsy. They all developed MLPTC at 1 year (P<0.0001). Three of the patients with early peritubular capillaritis met the criteria of CAMR at 1 year (P=0.0002). Conclusions. Through early detection of subclinical peritubular capillaritis, renal allograft recipients who are at risk for development of MLPTC might be identified. Larger series are needed to confirm these preliminary findings, but this report suggests peritubular capillaritis as an early detection marker for patients at risk for CAMR.
Real-time neural network control of a biped walking robot

Cerebellar model arithmetic computer (CMAC) neural networks can be applied to the problem of biped walking with dynamic balance. The project goal here is to develop biped control strategies based on a hierarchy of simple gait oscillators, PID controllers, and neural network learning, that do not require detailed kinematic or dynamic models. While results of simulation studies using two-dimensional biped simulators have appeared previously, the focus in this article is on real-time control studies using a ten axis biped robot with foot force sensing. This ongoing study has thus far produced several preliminary results toward efficient walking. The experimental biped has learned the closed chain kinematics necessary to shift body weight from side-to-side while maintaining good foot contact, has learned the quasi-static balance required to avoid falling forward or backward while shifting body weight from side-to-side at different speeds, and has learned the dynamic balance required in order to lift a foot off of the floor for a desired length of time, during which the foot can be moved to a new location relative to the body. Using these skills, the biped is able to march in place and take short steps without falling (too often). <<ETX>>
Predictors of mortality after transjugular portosystemic shunt.

AIM To investigate if echocardiographic and hemodynamic determinations obtained at the time of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) can provide prognostic information that will enhance risk stratification of patients. METHODS We reviewed medical records of 467 patients who underwent TIPS between July 2003 and December 2011 at our institution. We recorded information regarding patient demographics, underlying liver disease, indication for TIPS, baseline laboratory values, hemodynamic determinations at the time of TIPS, and echocardiographic measurements both before and after TIPS. We recorded patient comorbidities that may affect hemodynamic and echocardiographic determinations. We also calculated Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score and Child Turcotte Pugh (CTP) class. The following pre- and post-TIPS echocardiographic determinations were recorded: Left ventricular ejection fraction, right ventricular (RV) systolic pressure, subjective RV dilation, and subjective RV function. We recorded the following hemodynamic measurements: Right atrial (RA) pressure before and after TIPS, inferior vena cava pressure before and after TIPS, free hepatic vein pressure, portal vein pressure before and after TIPS, and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). RESULTS We reviewed 418 patients with portal hypertension undergoing TIPS. RA pressure increased by a mean ± SD of 4.8 ± 3.9 mmHg (P < 0.001), HVPG decreased by 6.8 ± 3.5 mmHg (P < 0.001). In multivariate linear regression analysis, a higher MELD score, lower platelet count, splenectomy and a higher portal vein pressure were independent predictors of higher RA pressure (R = 0.55). Three variables predicted 3-mo mortality after TIPS in a multivariate analysis: Age, MELD score, and CTP grade C. Change in the RA pressure after TIPS predicted long-term mortality (per 1 mmHg change, HR = 1.03, 95%CI: 1.01-1.06, P < 0.012). CONCLUSION RA pressure increased immediately after TIPS particularly in patients with worse liver function, portal hypertension, emergent TIPS placement and history of splenectomy. The increase in RA pressure after TIPS was associated with increased mortality. Age, splenectomy, MELD score and CTP grade were independent predictors of long-term mortality after TIPS.
Anisotropic Thermal Conductivity of Silver Sheathed Bi2223 Superconducting Tape

Anisotropic thermal conductivity, κ(<i>T</i>), of a silver sheathed Bi2223 (Bi2223/Ag) tape was determined for three typical directions; the length (<i>l</i>), width (<i>w</i>), and thickness (<i>t</i>). κ(<i>T</i>) of the tape along the <i>l</i>-direction was measured directly and those along the <i>w</i> - and <i>t</i> -directions were estimated by measuring stacked samples in which several Bi2223/Ag tapes were soldered. κ(<i>T</i>) of the tape along the <i>l</i>- and <i>w</i>-directions was 250 W m<sup>-1</sup> K<sup>-1</sup> at 77 K and almost coincided with each other. On the other hand, κ(<i>T</i>) of the tape along the <i>t</i>-direction was about one order of magnitude smaller than those along other directions. The measured κ(<i>T</i>) curves were analysed using an equivalent heat current circuit. Results show that the applied heat flows through the Ag parts for three directions. The amount of the Ag parts being in the route of the heat current depends on the direction.
Predictors of between-family and within-family variation in parent-child relationships.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have found that multiple factors are associated with parent-child relationship quality, but have not distinguished potential sources of between-family and within-family variation in parent-child relationship quality. METHODS Approximately equal numbers of biological (non-stepfamilies), single-mother, stepfather, and complex/stepmother stepfamilies were selected from a large community study in England. The sample comprised 404 children in 171 families. Parent-child warmth/support and conflict/negativity were assessed using questionnaire and interview methods; family socio-demographic data were collected from parent report. RESULTS Multilevel model analyses indicated substantial within-family variation in parent-child relationship quality, and greater within-family variation in complex/stepmother families compared to other family types. Within-family variation was largely accounted for by differences in the siblings' biological relatedness to the mother and father and to child-specific factors, notably aggressive behavior. CONCLUSIONS The findings illustrate how research using multilevel model designs and analytic strategies may enhance our understanding of family process.
Influence of Working Memory, Strategy, Experience, and Emotionality on a Prisoner’s Dilemma Task

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of working memory, strategy availability, experience, and emotionality on a Prisoner’s Dilemma game. Participants consisted of 126 undergraduates from Appalachian State University’s psychology research pool. A 3 (High Working Memory, Middle Working Memory, Low Working Memory) x 2 (Strategy, No Strategy) x Trial Blocks design was employed. Students’ working memory spans were assessed using an automatic operational working memory span task. Participants in the strategy condition were given information about the typical outcomes of Prisoner’s Dilemma games. There was an unexpected finding: competition was positively correlated with overall winnings. Some of the main hypotheses were that: (a) players would become more competitive over time, (b) players in the strategy manipulation would be more cooperative than those in the control condition, (c) high working memory participants would be more competitive than those with middle and low working memory, and (d) working memory would buffer against the effects of emotionality in the game. It was found that players became more competitive as the game progressed. Participants in the strategy condition were more cooperative than those in the control condition. These new findings were examined in relation to reciprocity literature.
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Regulates Mouse Fshr Promoter Activity Through an E-Box Binding Site1

ABSTRACT The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) mediates the toxicity of a variety of environmental chemicals. Apart from this, an understanding is emerging that the AHR has a fundamental role in female reproduction. Evidence suggests that AHR participates in regulation of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (Fshr) transcript level in mouse ovary by binding to the promoter of this gene in vivo. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the molecular interplay of the Fshr promoter involved in the transactivation by AHR in mouse granulosa cells. We found that AHR activates the Fshr promoter through the region from −209 to −99 bp. In this region, the importance of the E-box motif was revealed by site-directed mutagenesis followed by promoter analysis. By focusing on the DNA/protein interactions, we defined the fact that the intact E-box but not upstream transcription factor 1 (USF1), which is known to bind this motif, is necessary for AHR binding to mouse Fshr promoter. Furthermore, by constructing AHR mutants defective in DNA interaction, we confirmed the importance of DNA binding for AHR's ability to bind to and activate Fshr promoter. Collectively, the present study demonstrates that AHR modulates Fshr transactivation by its direct association through an E-box and not by recruitment via interaction with USFs. These observations suggest that although AHR and USF may respond to different signals, they compete on binding to the same E-box. Our data, together with that from one prior study suggesting involvement of E-box motif in AHR-mediated transcription, provide novel understanding of the way in which AHR may regulate its target genes through E-box sites.
Probing Software Engineering Beliefs about System Testing Defects: Analyzing Data for Future Directions

Research findings are often expressed as short startling sentences or software engineering (SE) beliefs such as “about 80 percent of the defects come from 20 percent of the modules” and “peer reviews catch 60 percent of the defects” [2]. Such SE beliefs are particularly important in industry, as they are attention-getting, easily understandable, and thus practically useful. In this paper we examine the power of such SE beliefs to justify process improvement through empirical validation of selected beliefs related to the increase or decrease of defects in system testing. We explore four basic SE beliefs in data from two midsize embedded software development organizations in Japan, and based on this information, identify possible process improvement actions for each organization. Based on our study, even small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can use this approach to find possible directions to improve their process, which will result in better products.