Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extensive study of human insulin immunoassays: promises and pitfalls for insulin analogue detection and quantification

Abstract Background: Over the last few decades, new synthetic insulin analogues have been developed. Their measurement is of prime importance in the investigation of hypoglycaemia, but their quantification is hampered by variable cross-reactivity with many insulin assays. For clinical analysis, it has now become essential to know the potential cross-reactivity of analogues of interest. Methods: In this work, we performed an extensive study of insulin analogue cross-reactivity using numerous human insulin immunoassays. We investigated the cross-reactivity of five analogues (lispro, aspart, glulisine, glargine, detemir) and two glargine metabolites (M1 and M2) with 16 commercial human insulin immunoassays as a function of concentration. Results: The cross-reactivity values for insulin analogues or glargine metabolites ranged from 0% to 264%. Four assays were more specific to human insulin, resulting in negligible cross-reactivity with the analogues. However, none of the 16 assays was completely free of cross-reactivity with analogues or metabolites. The results show that analogue cross-reactivity, which varies to a large degree, is far from negligible, and should not be overlooked in clinical investigations. Conclusions: This study has established the cross-reactivity of five insulin analogues and two glargine metabolites using 16 immunoassays to facilitate the choice of the immunoassay(s) and to provide sensitive and specific analyses in clinical routine or investigation.
Increased mRNA Levels of Sphingosine Kinases and S1P Lyase and Reduced Levels of S1P Were Observed in Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Association with Poorer Differentiation and Earlier Recurrence

Although sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) has been reported to play an important role in cancer pathophysiology, little is known about S1P and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To clarify the relationship between S1P and HCC, 77 patients with HCC who underwent surgical treatment were consecutively enrolled in this study. In addition, S1P and its metabolites were quantitated by LC-MS/MS. The mRNA levels of sphingosine kinases (SKs), which phosphorylate sphingosine to generate S1P, were increased in HCC tissues compared with adjacent non-HCC tissues. Higher mRNA levels of SKs in HCC were associated with poorer differentiation and microvascular invasion, whereas a higher level of SK2 mRNA was a risk factor for intra- and extra-hepatic recurrence. S1P levels, however, were unexpectedly reduced in HCC compared with non-HCC tissues, and increased mRNA levels of S1P lyase (SPL), which degrades S1P, were observed in HCC compared with non-HCC tissues. Higher SPL mRNA levels in HCC were associated with poorer differentiation. Finally, in HCC cell lines, inhibition of the expression of SKs or SPL by siRNA led to reduced proliferation, invasion and migration, whereas overexpression of SKs or SPL enhanced proliferation. In conclusion, increased SK and SPL mRNA expression along with reduced S1P levels were more commonly observed in HCC tissues compared with adjacent non-HCC tissues and were associated with poor differentiation and early recurrence. SPL as well as SKs may be therapeutic targets for HCC treatment.
Passed Along: Black Women Refect on the Long-Term Effects of Social Promotion and Retention in Schools

Biographies and personal narratives are important for helping us understand how individuals make sense of their experiences and lives. This article explores the educational life histories of two adult Black women that we call Lauren and Shantel. Although both women graduated from US high schools, neither received the basic education and learning supports that would prepare them for successful adulthoods. This study demonstrates the long-term cumulative effects of social promotion and retention on the life outcomes of poor people of color and underscores the importance of prioritizing both students’ academic and socioemotional needs.
Evidence for the genetic role of human leukocyte antigens in low frequency DRBI*1501 multiple sclerosis patients in Israel

A strong association exist between m ultiple sclerosis (MS) and the DRB1 *1SO 1 haplotype, in most populations. Linkage of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with the MHC or HLA region on chromosome 6p2I has previously been observed in DRBI*1SO positive MS families. A group of 13 Israeli multiplex MS families with a very low frequency of DRB 1*1SO1 haplotype were examined in this study. Association and a linkage test were performed in order to identify a non-DRB1*1SO effect of HLA on susceptibility for MS. MS multiplex families and healthy controls were molecularly typed for six highly polymorphic markers located within the MHC region: DRBS, DQAI and DQBI, BAT-2, MIB and D65248. Dta analyses included: (a) an association study comparing the patient group with both healthy relative, and healthy control groups (b) a transmission test for linkage disequilibrium (TDT) of the MS-associated alleles in the multiplex families, and (c) multipoint non-parametric linkage (NPL) and parametric LOD score analyses using the GENEHUNTER program. The DRBI * 1303 allele was significandy more frequent among the MS patiens There was a trend towards transmission disequilibrium of DRBS *1303, but was not statistically significant. Allele sharing and LOD score analyses revealed no evidence for linkage. The high frequency of DRBI * 1303 observed in our family patient provides evidence to support the association with this allele that previously described in sporadic non-Ashkenazi MS patiens Th us, DRBI * 1303 may serve as genetic risk factor for MS. Our study exemplifies the genetic heterogeneity in MS as there is a genetic effect of HLA on MS susceptibility in our low frequency DRBS*1SO0 patient.
Leptospirosis in suspected cases of dengue in Jamaica, 2002–2007

Due to overlapping clinical features with other febrile illnesses, the diagnosis of leptospirosis is often overlooked, resulting in delay in treatment and increased mortality. In this study the prevalence of leptospirosis was determined in 590 patients with dengue-like illnesses using the Leptospira IgM dipstick and dengue enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Leptospira IgM antibodies were found in 27 (5.0%) patients. Dengue IgM negative (6.9% versus 2.5%, P < 0.05) and dengue IgG positive patients (8.0% versus 3.5%, P < 0.01) were more likely to be leptospira IgM positive. Fever, skin rash, central nervous system and respiratory involvement were the most common presenting features. The presence of arthralgia (P = 0.016), hepatitis (P = 0.000), jaundice (P = 0.003), splenomegaly (P = 0.041) and haematuria (P = 0.029) were associated with leptospirosis. In countries with an endemicity of leptospirosis and dengue it is important that patients with dengue-like illnesses, especially those with no serological evidence of current primary dengue infection, be investigated for leptospirosis.
Persistent airflow limitation in adult-onset nonatopic asthma is associated with serologic evidence of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection.

BACKGROUND Persistent airflow limitation may develop in patients with asthma, particularly in adults with nonatopic (intrinsic) disease. Although the underlying mechanisms are still unknown, respiratory infections might be involved. OBJECTIVE We investigated the annual loss of lung function in relation to seropositivity to Chlamydia pneumoniae in different subgroups of patients with severe asthma according to age at onset of asthma and atopic status. METHODS One hundred one nonsmoking outpatients with a pulmonologist's diagnosis of severe asthma (32 men and 69 women; mean age, 46.0 years; range, 18-75 years) were included in a cross-sectional study. C pneumoniae-specific serum IgG and IgA were measured by means of ELISA. The estimated decline in lung function was calculated from the relationship between postbronchodilator FEV(1)/vital capacity (percent predicted) and the duration of asthma and expressed as the slope of the regression line. RESULTS Patients with adult-onset nonatopic asthma and positive IgG antibodies to C pneumoniae had a significantly steeper slope of the regression line compared with the other subgroups of asthmatic patients (P =.001), being indicative of a 4-fold greater estimated decline in postbronchodilator FEV(1)/vital capacity (2.3% vs 0.5% predicted per year of asthma duration). CONCLUSION These results suggest that C pneumoniae infection might promote the development of persistent airflow limitation in patients with nonatopic adult-onset asthma. It remains to be established whether viable pathogens that are accessible for therapeutic intervention are still present in the lower airways.
Impact of Rising International Market Prices of Rice on Welfare and Poverty in Senegal

This study assessed the impact of rising international market prices of rice on real household income and poverty in Senegal. Net benefit ratio indicator developed by Deaton (1989) to assess the impact of a change in the international rice price on household welfare were used in the analysis. The data came from the second poverty monitoring survey in Senegal. Using two indicators: (i) per capita spending and (ii) expenditure per adult equivalent, the results showed that rising international rice prices negatively affect real income and poverty. This negative effect were more pronounced in urban areas and in areas with high rice consumption. Poverty also increased by 3.5% when the first indicator was used. However, it increased by 4.25% when the second indicator was used. Statistics showed that 37% of the richest households consume rice compared to 7% of the poorest households. In addition, urban households allocate 25% of their budget to rice consumption, compared to 24.4% for rural households. To reduce Senegal’s vulnerability, governments need to take steps to limit the country’s dependence on rice imports. Therefore, it would be essential to invest more in the production and consumption of local rice.
Tl2LiYCl6:Ce: A New Elpasolite Scintillator

Tl2LiYCl6:Ce (TLYC), a new cerium doped-thallium based, dual mode gamma and neutron elpasolite scintillation crystal, has been grown and evaluated at RMD. Energy resolution of 4.2% at 662 keV (FWHM) is measured for samples of this material. From comparison with a 137Cs spectrum collected with NaI:Tl, a gamma-ray induced light yield of 26,000 ph/MeV is estimated for TLYC. The material also shows better proportionality of response than both LaBr3:Ce and NaI:Tl in the energy range between 32 keV to 1275 keV. Single thermal neutron interactions produce a peak measured at a gamma equivalent energy of 1.9 MeVee, corresponding to a (neutron induced) light yield of approximately 47,000 ph/n. Decay times obtained from gamma-ray interactions in TLYC are measured at about 57 ns, 431 ns, and 1055 ns, with slightly shorter values measured for neutron interactions. These differences allow for gamma-neutron pulse shape discrimination (PSD) and a PSD Figure-of-Merit (FOM) of 2 is measured with TLYC.
Peer influences on adolescent alcohol and other drug use outcomes.

PURPOSE To examine the role of family environment and peer networks in abstinence outcomes for adolescents 1 year after intake to alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment. DESIGN Survey of 419 adolescents 13 to 18 years of age at consecutive intakes to AOD treatment programs at four sites of a large health system, with telephone follow-up survey 1 year after intake. METHODS Examined association of 1-year abstinence with baseline characteristics. Using logistic regression, we examined characteristics predicting 1-year abstinence and predicting having fewer than four substance-using friends at 1 year. RESULTS We found that family environment scores related to family conflict, limit setting, and positive family experiences, were not related to abstinence outcomes, but peer networks were related. Adolescents with fewer (less than four) AOD-using friends were more likely to be abstinent than those with four or more AOD-using friends (65% vs. 41%, p= .0002). Having fewer than four AOD-using friends at intake predicted abstinence at 1 year (odds ratio [OR]= 2.904, p= .0002) and also predicted having fewer than four AOD-using friends at 1 year (OR= 2.557, p= 0.0007). CONCLUSIONS Although family environment is an important factor in the development of AOD problems in adolescents, it did not play a significant role in treatment success. The quality of adolescent peer networks did independently predict positive outcomes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE For physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and other primary and behavioral care providers who screen and care for adolescents with AOD and other behavioral problems, our finding suggest the importance of focusing on improving the quality of their peer networks.
Countermovement Jump Performance Is Not Affected During an In-Season Training Microcycle in Elite Youth Soccer Players

Abstract Malone, JJ, Murtagh, CF, Morgans, R, Burgess, DJ, Morton, JP, and Drust, B. Countermovement jump performance is not affected during an in-season training microcycle in elite youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 29(3): 752–757, 2015—This study examined the change in countermovement jump (CMJ) performance across a microcycle of training in professional soccer players during the in-season period. Nine elite youth soccer players performed a CMJ test before and after 4 consecutive soccer training sessions of an in-season weekly microcycle. Training load was quantified using global positioning systems, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion. Absolute change (before to after training) in CMJ height across each training session was analyzed using one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. Magnitude of effects was reported with the effect size (ES) statistic. Correlation analyses assessed the relationships between training load measures and the absolute change in CMJ height. Training load remained similar on all training days apart from a significant decrease in training load (all variables except high-speed distance) on the last training session (p ⩽ 0.05). No significant difference was found for CMJ height (p = 0.23) across the training microcycle (ES range, −0.04 to −0.22). No correlations were found between training load variables and absolute change in CMJ height (range: r = −0.21 to 0.22; p > 0.05). This study revealed no significant change in CMJ performance across the in-season microcycle. This finding suggests that soccer players are able to maintain CMJ performance across an in-season training microcycle.
Digital models vs plaster models using alginate and alginate substitute materials.

OBJECTIVE To compare the dimensional stability of four impression materials over time and to compare OraMetrix digital models vs traditional plaster models. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two traditional alginates (Identic and imprEssix) and two alginate substitutes (Alginot FS and Position PentaQuick) were used to take multiple impressions of a maxillary typodont. Fifteen impressions for each material were taken and poured with plaster at three time points: 72 hours, 120 hours, and 1 week. Five impressions for each material were taken and were sent to OrthoProof for digital model reproduction at 72 hours. Digital models were then integrated with OraMetrix software. Plaster and digital models were measured in the anterior-posterior, transverse, and vertical dimensions. The control typodont and plaster models were measured using a digital caliper, and digital models were measured using OraMetrix software. RESULTS Statistically significant changes were found for models replicated from Identic impression material in all three dimensions by 72 hours. Statistically significant changes were seen in imprEssix impressions in the vertical and intercanine dimensions. Digital models were significantly smaller in all dimensions compared with plaster models and the control. CONCLUSIONS Identic impression material showed a statistically and clinically significant change in all dimensions within 72 hours and therefore should not be used if impressions are not going to be poured immediately. Alginate substitutes were dimensionally stable over an extended period. Digital models produced by OraMetrix were not clinically acceptable compared with plaster models.
Degeneration of the Accessory Navicular Synchondrosis Presenting as Rupture of the Posterior Tibial Tendon*

Degeneration of the accessory navicular synchondrosis may be associated with decreased function of the posterior tibial tendon in patients who are middle-aged or older. We investigated the role of ultrasonography in differentiating between degeneration of the accessory navicular synchondrosis with separation of the accessory navicular from the navicular, which has not been previously reported to our knowledge, and a rupture of the posterior tibial tendon. We studied fourteen patients (mean age, fifty-five years; range, forty-one to seventy-two years) who had an operatively confirmed injury of the accessory navicular synchondrosis. The mean duration of follow-up was thirty-nine months (range, twenty-seven to fifty-four months). Preoperative radiographs demonstrated a type-II accessory navicular (an accessory navicular with a synchondrosis) in all fourteen patients. Ultrasonography, which was performed for twelve patients, demonstrated a defect in the synchondrosis in eleven patients and a normal posterior tibial tendon in all twelve. The operative findings included incomplete separation of the synchondrosis in four of the fourteen patients, complete separation of the synchondrosis and the periosteum in eight, and avulsion of the accessory navicular in two. On the basis of our findings, we concluded that post-traumatic degeneration of an accessory navicular synchondrosis may present clinically as a variant type of avulsion or rupture of the posterior tibial tendon in this age-group. Ultrasonography is useful for distinguishing between complete or partial separation through the synchondrosis and rupture or attenuation of the posterior tibial tendon.
Cytomegalovirus infection--an etiological factor for rejection? A prospective study in 242 renal transplant patients.

The study aimed at analyzing the role of CMV infection as a risk factor for rejection occurring after CMV infection because of the clinical consequences of the prevention of CMV infection that might lead to the decrease in rejection episodes. Two hundred forty-two consecutive renal transplant patients were prospectively checked for the occurrence of CMV infection. CMV infection was defined virologically by a positive viremia or/and a positive viruria or/and a seroconversion or/and a significant rise of the anti-CMV antibody titers. Viremia, viruria, and serology were performed weekly for the first month and then at day 90, day 180, and every 6 months, and moreover if clinical symptoms related to a viral infection occurred. Rejection episode was defined by a creatininemia rise of 25%, after cyclosporine nephrotoxicity and urological complications had been discarded, and by the response to the antirejection therapy, steroids, or OKT3 in case of steroid-resistant rejection. The outcome factor was rejection episode occurring from day 4 after the diagnosis of CMV infection. A patient undergoing "a rejection episode after CMV infection" could also be exposed to other potential confounding factors that can be considered as risk factors of rejection among our patients. Rejection occurring before CMV infection was the main factor because it was linked both to CMV infection itself and to "rejection after. " Thus infected and noninfected patients were randomly paired off. To the noninfected patient of the pair was attributed the date of a fictitious CMV infection that was the date of the CMV infection of the infected member of the pair. Therefore, "rejection after" and "rejection before" were defined in infected and noninfected patients of the pair according to the time of onset of CMV infection of the infected member of the pair. The incidence of CMV infection was 65%, 157 of the 242 patients were infected, and 85 not infected. Thus 85 pairs of infected-noninfected patients were studied. The incidence of "rejection after" the diagnosis of CMV infection was significantly higher in the group of patients with CMV infection: 45% among infected (38/85) versus 10.60% among noninfected (9/85) (P < 0.0001). Among the 85 pairs, 48 pairs were concordant in which patient of the pair evinced the same outcome factor: 43 showed no rejection after, and 5 showed one. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of SL65.1498, a GABA-A 2,3 selective agonist, in comparison with lorazepam in healthy volunteers

Abstract Benzodiazepines are effective short-term treatments for anxiety disorders, but their use is limited by undesirable side effects related to Central Nervous System impairment and tolerance development. SL65.1498 is a new compound that acts in vitro as a full agonist at the γ-aminobutyric acidA 2 and 3 receptor and as a partial agonist at the 1 and 5 receptor subtypes. It is thought that the compound could be anxiolytic by its activation at the alpha2 and alpha3 receptor subtypes, without causing unfavourable side effects, which are believed to be mediated by the alpha1 and alpha5 subtypes. This study was a double-blind, five-way cross-over study to investigate the effects of three doses of SL65.1498 in comparison with placebo and lorazepam 2 mg in healthy volunteers. The objective was to select a dose level (expected to be therapeutically active), free of any significant deleterious effect. Psychomotor and cognitive effects were measured using a validated battery of measurements, including eye movements, body sway, memory tests, reaction-time assessments, and visual analogue scales. The highest dose of SL65.1498 showed slight effects on saccadic peak velocity and smooth pursuit performance, although to a much lesser extent than lorazepam. In contrast to lorazepam, none of the SL65.1498 doses affected body sway, visual analogue scale alertness, attention, or memory tests. This study showed that the three doses of SL65.1498 were well tolerated and induced no impairments on memory, sedation, psychomotor, and cognitive functions.