Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is the AIMS65 score useful in predicting outcomes in peptic ulcer bleeding?

AIM To evaluate the applicability of AIMS65 scores in predicting outcomes of peptic ulcer bleeding. METHODS This was a retrospective study in a single center between January 2006 and December 2011. We enrolled 522 patients with upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage who visited the emergency room. High-risk patients were regarded as those who had re-bleeding within 30 d from the first endoscopy as well as those who died within 30 d of visiting the Emergency room. A total of 149 patients with peptic ulcer bleeding were analysed, and the AIMS65 score was used to retrospectively predict the high-risk patients. RESULTS A total of 149 patients with peptic ulcer bleeding were analysed. The poor outcome group comprised 28 patients [male: 23 (82.1%) vs female: 5 (10.7%)] while the good outcome group included 121 patients [male: 93 (76.9%) vs female: 28 (23.1%)]. The mean age in each group was not significantly different. The mean serum albumin levels in the poor outcome group were slightly lower than those in the good outcome group (P = 0.072). For the prediction of poor outcome, the AIMS65 score had a sensitivity of 35.5% (95%CI: 27.0-44.8) and a specificity of 82.1% (95%CI: 63.1-93.9) at a score of 0. The AIMS65 score was insufficient for predicting outcomes in peptic ulcer bleeding (area under curve = 0.571; 95%CI: 0.49-0.65). CONCLUSION The AIMS65 score may therefore not be suitable for predicting clinical outcomes in peptic ulcer bleeding. Low albumin levels may be a risk factor associated with high mortality in peptic ulcer bleeding.
Interferon-γ mediates chemokine-dependent recruitment of natural killer cells during viral infection

Significance The innate immune system, including natural killer (NK) cells, is responsible for limiting virus spread during the initial phases of an infection. Here, we show in mice that NK cells are recruited to lymph nodes that drain the site of infection with cowpox virus, which is endemic in wild rodents. Full NK-cell recruitment was dependent on their expression of a specific receptor for soluble attractants termed chemokines, a hormone-like substance called IFN-γ, and subcapsular sinus macrophages. Therefore, this study provides a framework for how NK cells are recruited to a site of infection. Natural killer (NK) cells provide in vivo control of orthopoxvirus infections in association with their expansion in the draining lymph node (LN), where they are normally very rare. The mechanism of this expansion is unclear. Herein, we determined that NK-cell depletion results in enhanced infection following footpad inoculation of cowpox virus, a natural pathogen of rodents. Following cowpox virus infection in normal mice, NK cells were greatly expanded in the draining LN, were not replicating, and displayed markers similar to splenic NK cells, suggesting specific recruitment of splenic NK cells rather than in situ proliferation. Moreover, NK-cell expansion was abrogated by prior injection of clodronate-loaded liposomes, indicating a role for subcapsular sinus macrophages. Furthermore, recruitment of transferred splenic NK cells to the draining LN was pertussis toxin-sensitive, suggesting involvement of chemokine receptors. Comprehensive analysis of chemokine mRNA expression in the draining LN following infection suggested the selective involvement of CCR2, CCR5, and/or CXCR3. Mice deficient for CCR2 or CCR5 had normal NK-cell recruitment, whereas CXCR3-deficient mice displayed a major defect, which was NK cell-intrinsic. Interestingly, both induction of transcripts for CXCR3 ligands (Cxcl9 and Cxcl10) and NK-cell recruitment required IFN-γ. These data indicate that NK-cell recruitment is mediated by subcapsular sinus macrophages, IFN-γ, and CXCR3 during orthopoxvirus infection.
Molecular epidemiology of the 2005 enterovirus 71 outbreak in central Taiwan

Abstract Background: Since 1998, Taiwan has experienced annual outbreaks of enterovirus 71 (EV71) nationwide. The area around Taichung City experienced a particularly large outbreak in 2005, after which EV71 disappeared for 2 y before re-emerging in 2008. Here we present the clinical, genotypic, and epidemiological baseline data for the 2005 Taichung outbreak. Methods: Throat swab, stool and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected and stored in viral transport medium. Samples were tested by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and viral culture. Epidemiological, laboratory, and clinical data were extracted from medical record reviews. A total of 27 virus isolates were selected for phylogenetic analysis. Results: Confirmed phylogenetic results of the viruses were separated into 5 groups. The 5′-UTR regions served as a focus for investigating genetic relationships among the 27 EV71 isolates, all of which belonged to a distinct clade in the C4 genotype. Most of the strains belonged to 5 observed epidemic groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, the 2005 outbreak in central Taiwan was caused by divergent EV71 strains belonging to the C4 genotype.
Application of Time Series Models to the Spectral Analysis of Irregular Turbulence Data

Most existing algorithms for the spectral analysis of irregularly sampled random processes can estimate the spectral density until frequencies up to the mean data rate or somewhat higher. A new time series method extended that frequency range with a factor thousand or more, for certain processes. Two requirements have been found for the new algorithm to give useful results. Firstly, at least about ten closest pairs of neighboring irregular observations should have a distance that is less than the minimum resampling distance that has to be used for the discrete-time frequency range. Secondly, a rather low order time series model should be appropriate to describe the character of the data. The consequences and importance of this second demand are studied for irregular turbulence observations with narrow spectral details. Low order models are estimated from equidistant hot-wire observations and from irregularly sampled LDA (Laser Doppler Anemometer) data, obtained from the same turbulence process. The irregular data are resampled with the nearest neighbor method, both with and without slotting. Apart from the usual bias contributions of resampling irregular data, LDA data can give an additional spectral bias if the instantaneous sampling rate is correlated to the actual magnitude of the turbulent velocity.
Radiolabeled chimeric anti-CEA monoclonal antibody compared with the original mouse monoclonal antibody for surgically treated colorectal carcinoma.

UNLABELLED Biodistribution and tumor uptake of a chimeric human-mouse monoclonal antibody (MAb) and the original mouse MAb have been comparatively studied. METHODS Eighteen patients with suspected colorectal cancer scheduled for surgery underwent immunoscintigraphy with 123I-labeled chimeric anti-CEA MAb. Iodine-125 and 131I trace-labeled chimeric and original mouse MAb were simultaneously injected for biodistribution studies. RESULTS Similar serum kinetics and a low immunogenicity were observed for both antibodies. Mean binding capacity to CEA measured in PBS after radiolabeling was identical for both MAbs and it was slightly decreased when measured in serum 1-4 hr after injection. Radiochromatograms of patients sera showed immune complex formation related to the amount of circulating CEA. Postoperative ex vivo radioactivity counting in tissue samples revealed similar antibody distributions with notably similar antibody uptakes in tumors. High tumor uptakes (between 0.02 to 0.06% injected dose per g) were observed in 3 of 13 patients operated for primary or metastatic colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION In this dual-label technique, the radioiodinated anti-CEA IgG4 chimeric MAb and the original mouse IgG1 MAb were shown to have very similar behavior in colorectal cancer patients.
From Randomized Controlled Trials of Antidepressant Drugs to the Meta-Analytic Synthesis of Evidence: Methodological Aspects Lead to Discrepant Findings

During the last decade, several meta-analytic studies employing different methodological approaches have had inconsistent conclusions regarding antidepressant efficacy. Herein, we aim to comment on methodological aspects that may have contributed to disparate findings. We initially discuss methodological inconsistencies and limitations related to the conduct of individual antidepressant randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including differences in allocated samples, limitations of psychometric scales, possible explanations for the heightened placebo response rates in antidepressant RCTs across the past two decades as well as the reporting of conflicts of interest. In the second part of this article, we briefly describe the various meta-analyses techniques (e.g., simple random effects meta-analysis and network meta-analysis) and the application of these methods to synthesize evidence related to antidepressant efficacy. Recently published antidepressant metaanalyses often provide discrepant results and similar results often lead to different interpretations. Finally, we propose strategies to improve methodology considering real-world clinical scenarios.
Growth and Physiological Responses of Salak Cultivars (Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss) to Different Growing Media

The study to investigate growth and physiological responses of salak cultivars to different growing media was carried out in a greenhouse of the Institute for Horticultural Sciences, Department of Fruit Sciences of Humboldt University Berlin at Berlin. The temperature inside the greenhouse were adjusted to 20 °C/25 °C (day/night) and the relative humidity varied between 20 % and 70 %. Pure quartz sand, peat and a sand/compost mixture were tested as growth substance. The following parameters were measured: shoot dry weight, root dry weight, shoot length increment, leaf area increment, net CO2 assimilation rate (PN), leaf colour and plant mineral contents (N, P, K, Ca and Mg). Quartz sand, supplied with a complete nutrition solution was the best growing medium, whereas low pH peat was not suitable for salak seedlings due to the inhibitory growth effect. “Pondoh hitam” was the most vigorous cultivar.
Proliferative responses and gamma interferon and tumor necrosis factor production by lymphocytes isolated from tracheobroncheal lymph nodes and spleen of mice aerosol infected with Bordetella pertussis

A group of mice was aerosol infected with live, virulent Bordetella pertussis bacteria. During a period of 7 weeks following the infection, with intervals of 1 week, lymphocytes were isolated from the tracheobroncheal lymph nodes (TBL) and the spleens (SPL) of the infected mice. The in vitro proliferative responses as well as the gamma interferon and tumor necrosis factor production levels of the isolated lymphocytes in response to stimulation with whole killed B. pertussis bacteria were measured as parameters for cell-mediated immunity (CMI). The course of the infection was monitored by counting of CFU in the lungs of the mice. Moreover, antibody responses in serum against a range of B. pertussis antigens were assessed. The results showed that a vigorous proliferative response of the TBL and SPL to stimulation with whole killed B. pertussis bacteria was induced by the infection. The proliferative response of the TBL was significantly higher than the response of the SPL. The proliferative responses were maximal 3 to 4 weeks after the infection and were paralleled by in vitro gamma interferon and tumor necrosis factor production upon specific stimulation. The development of the CMI was observed simultaneously with the clearance of the infection from the lungs. Antibody responses became measurable in the sera only after the infection was cleared. A specific CMI against pertussis toxin, the filamentous hemagglutinin, the 69-kDa outer membrane protein, and the agglutinogens 2 and 3, antigens which are under consideration for inclusion in future acellular pertussis vaccines, was successfully demonstrated in mice 3 weeks after the infection.
Music Genre Classification

In the age of music streaming, classification systems that can accurately delineate music genres play a pivotal role in enhancing user experience. In this paper, we introduce the "Inter-Connectivity-Rank" (ICR) method, a novel approach to music genre classification that leverages the interconnected nature of subgenres. Unlike traditional models that struggle with cross-listed tracks, ICR quantifies the interconnectivity of subgenres, offering a more nuanced understanding of their relationships. Our findings suggest that this method not only improves classification accuracy but also provides insights into the fluidity of musical genres. By applying the ICR method, we offer a fresh perspective that has implications beyond music classification, providing a solution for any dataset with ambiguous and dependent labels.
A Powerful DNA Extraction Method and PCR for Detection of Microsporidia in Clinical Stool Specimens

ABSTRACT The diagnosis of intestinal microsporidiosis has traditionally depended on direct visualization of the parasite in stool specimens or intestinal biopsy samples by light and/or electron microscopy. Limited information about the specificity and sensitivity of PCR for the detection microsporidia in clinical stool specimens is available. To establish a sensitive and specific method for the detection of microsporidia in clinical samples, we studied clinical stool specimens of 104 randomly selected human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with diarrhea to compare light microscopy and PCR. Fluorochrome Uvitex 2B staining was used for light microscopy. To raise the sensitivity of PCR, we used a powerful and fast DNA extraction method including stool sedimentation, glass bead disruption, and proteinase K and chitinase digestion. PCR was performed with primer pairs V1-PMP2, V1-EB450, and V1-SI500, and the nature of the PCR products was confirmed by Southern blot hybridization. Microsporidiosis was diagnosed by light microscopy in eight patients. Ten patients tested positive for microsporidiosis by PCR. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was found in seven cases, andEncephalitozoon intestinalis was found in four cases. In one case a double infection with E. bieneusi and E. intestinalis was diagnosed by PCR, whereas light microscopy showed only E. bieneusi infection. PCR testing of stool specimens is useful for diagnosis and species differentiation of intestinal microsporidiosis in HIV patients.
Expert system based on hidden Markov models for recognition of radar targets

Design of an expert system based on Hidden Markov Models for recognition of radar targets in a zone of ground surveillance radar is presented in the paper. Parameters of the real radar echo signal represented in a form of autoregressive models are used as an input of the designed expert system. The real radar echoes have been collected for the purpose of this research. Obtained results show that designed system has some certain advantages, but there are also some limitations in recognition of the analyzed sequences.
Tako-tsubo Cardiomyopathy in Oncology Clinical Trials

Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy is a rare reversible clinical disorder that is characterized by transient left-ventricular dysfunction. Diagnosis is based on Mayo Clinic diagnostic criteria and is confirmed with coronary angiography. Various risk factors have been described with the leading role of emotional or physical stress. Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy in cancer Patient is frequently attributed to either the main disease or chemotherapy. We described 3 cases of Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy observed in clinical trials-in patients with non-small cell lung cancer, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and cholangiocarcinoma. We conclude that a diagnosis of an advanced cancer could be an additional independent risk factor and a possible trigger for developing of Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy. Considering this, in patients with cancer who are referred to emergency room with complaints of chest pain/discomfort and/or dyspnea, and who are suspected of having acute coronary syndrome, differential diagnosis should include Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Assessment of causality relationship should be accurately performed in clinical trials as some data from the literature suggest possible causal relationship to certain chemotherapeutic agents. 1PSI Pharma Support America, 875 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA 2PSI Pharma Support EOOD, Sofia, Bulgaria 3PSI CRO Latvia SIA, Riga, Latvia 4PSI Company Ltd., Saint-Petersburg, Russia 5PSI CRO Deutschland GmbH, Munich, Germany *Corresponding author Maxim Kosov, PSI Pharma Support America, 875 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA, Tel: +1 215 837 6222, +1 267 464 2554, Fax: +1 267 464 2501, E-mail: Maxim.Kosov@psi-cro.com Submitted: 24 July 2017; Accepted: 31 July 2017; Published: 03 Aug 2017
Patterns of and Factors Potentially Influencing the Age at First Surgery for Women with Ovarian Endometriomas

Aim: To investigate patterns of and factors that may influence age at the first surgery (AATFS) for ovarian endometrioma. Methods: Five hundred and ninety-two consecutive patients with ovarian endometriomas who underwent surgery at the Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital from 2003 to 2004 were interviewed and their charts studied. Twelve variables were examined to assess their effect on AATFS using survival analysis methodology. All diagnoses were confirmed histologically. Twelve factors that potentially influence AATFS were recorded and subjected to univariate and multiple-variable statistical analyses. Results: A Weibull distribution fitted the AATFS data very well. In addition, age at menarche, body mass index, parity, number of previous induced abortions, rAFS stage (revised classification of the American Fertility Society), presence of adhesions, myomas/adenomyosis, and dysmenorrhea were identified to be associated with AATFS. Conclusion: The AATFS may be determined by a myriad of independent factors, including age at menarche, body mass index, parity, number of pregnancies, rAFS stage, and presence of adhesions, myomas/adenomyosis, and dysmenorrhea. The identification of these and other factors that influence AATFS and delineation of their roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis may help us devise strategies for better patient care and better allocate health care resources in the future.
Diagnosis in the first trimester of placenta accreta with previous Cesarean section

The prenatal diagnosis of adherent placenta is clinically very important, as this condition can seriously affect perinatal mortality and morbidity. The outcome is generally worse in cases with a history of Cesarean section. Here we report a case of placenta increta associated with previous Cesarean delivery, diagnosed by sonography during the first trimester, enabling earlier counseling of the parents and planning of appropriate treatment. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cutting edge: a test of the dominant negative signal model for TCR antagonism.

The mechanism by which TCR antagonists interfere with T cell activation is unclear. One popular hypothesis is that incomplete early signaling events induced by these ligands dominantly inhibit the T cell's ability to respond to a copresented agonist ligand. Here we test this "dominant negative" signal hypothesis by studying T cells expressing two distinct MHC class I-restricted TCRs (2C and OT-I). Although responses through each TCR can be efficiently inhibited by their specific antagonists, we found no evidence for "cross-antagonism" in which an antagonist for receptor "A" blocks responses through receptor "B. " Such inhibition would have been expected were the dominant negative signaling hypothesis correct, and alternative models for TCR antagonism are discussed.
Preparation of white‐cell‐poor blood components using a quadruple bag system

A method for the preparation of white‐cell‐poor red cells from 400 ml of blood collected in a quadruple bag with one 80‐ml and two 300‐ml satellite bags is described. In this procedure, a platelet concentrate was prepared from the buffy coat fraction obtained by the first centrifugation of whole blood. After centrifugation of whole blood for 5 minutes at 3500 × g, the plasma was transferred into the 300‐ml bag until the interface of red cells and plasma reached a level 32 mm from the top of the bag; then approximately 70 g of plasma and buffy coat were collected into the 80‐ml bag. The buffy coat fraction was centrifuged further for 5 minutes at 170 × g, and the supernatant (concentrated platelets in plasma) was transferred into the second 300‐ml bag. In this blood processing, the recovery of red cells into the packed red cells and of platelets into the platelet concentrate was 93 ± 4 percent and 52 ± 13 percent, respectively, of the original value. White cells in the packed red cells were 70 ± 28 × 107 with recovery of 32 ± 9 percent of the original value, and the lymphocytes in the white cells were only 7 ± 5 × 107 (7 ± 4% of the original value). White cell contamination of platelet concentrate was below the threshold of white cell detection by the microcell counter (less than 300 cells per μl of concentrate).
Nitroblue Tetrazolium Reduction in Lymphocytes

Certain populations of lymphocytes have been shown to reduce tetrazolium salts, indicating that superoxide anion may be present in lymphocytes. These experiments were done to determine if nitroblue tetrazolium reduction by lymphocytes was due to the presence of superoxide anion. Mitogen‐activated lymphocytes showed increased nitroblue tetrazolium reduction compared to unstimulated cells, and the cells reducing nitroblue tetrazolium were both T‐cells and non‐T‐cells. Release of superoxide anion or hydrogen peroxide by either resting or stimulated lymphocytes was not detected. There was no difference between resting and stimulated lymphocytes in the amount of chemiluminescence produced in the presence of lucigenin, an agent which appears to be sensitive to intracellular and extracellular superoxide anion. The results, then, indicate superoxide anion is not present in lymphocytes.
The Influence of Loading Variables on Implant Strain When Supporting Distal-Extension Removable Prostheses: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the implant stress under distalextension removable prostheses (DERPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS A mandibular distal-extension cast and denture were fabricated. Strain gauges were attached to the implant, which was placed either parallel to the distal abutment or perpendicular to the ridge crest (inclined). Occlusal load was applied in five directions, and strains were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test (P = .05). RESULTS When the implant was parallel, the strain was maximum at 20 degrees applied load direction. When the implant was inclined, the strain was minimum at 20 degrees mesial and maximum at 20 degrees applied distal load direction. CONCLUSIONS Implant bending strain is reduced when the implant is loaded on its long axis and oriented parallel with the long axis of the most distal tooth.