Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic Predictors of Adherence Behavior Among HIV-Positive Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Selangor, Malaysia

Medication adherence remains a critical link between the prescribed ART regimen and treatment outcome. Several factors may influence adherence behavior. This cross-sectional study aimed to highlight socioeconomic predictors of adherence behavior among a cohort of 242 adult Malaysian patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Hospital Sungai Buloh, Malaysia, where they were enrolled in a parent study (single-blinded randomized controlled trial) between January and December 2014. Statistical analysis of secondary data on adherence behavior and sociodemographic characteristics of the patients revealed mean age of 33.4 years and ranged from 18 to 64 years; 88.8% were males. A total of 224 (93%) patients who completed 6 months’ adherence assessment were included in the model. Of these, 135 (60.3%) achieved optimal adherence. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis revealed that patient’s income and ethnicity were significant predictors of adherence behavior. This may be valuable for targeted programmatic interventions to further enhance successful treatment outcomes among the target population.
Gut‐associated cells of derocheilocaris remanei (crustacea, mystacocarida)

The gut‐associated cells (GA‐cells) of the mystacocarid Derocheilocaris remanei were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. These cells are characterized by a dense cytoplasm, the presence of clear vesicles adjacent to the gut epithelium, glycogen, and lipid droplets. GA‐cells envelop the midgut and hindgut and send blunt cytoplasmic extensions to the gut epithelium through its basal lamina. The GA‐cells also extend dorsolateral projections to the body wall by means of intermediate cells. In addition to a mechanical function of suspending and stabilizing the gut, these cells may affect the flow of the hemocoelic fluid and may be implicated in the processes of transport, assimilation, and storage of nutrients. J. Morphol. 251:276–283, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pretranslational suppression of cytochrome P-450h (IIC11) gene expression in rat liver after administration of interferon inducers.

Administration of the interferon inducer polyriboinosinic acid.polyribocytidylic acid (poly rl.poly rC) (10 mg/kg, ip) to male rats suppressed the constitutive hepatic expression of the male-specific cytochrome P-450 [AH, reduced-flavoprotein/oxygen oxidoreductase (RH hydroxylating), EC 1.14.14. 1] isozyme P450IIC11 (P-450h) to 21% of control levels within 24 hr. The mRNA for P-450h was more rapidly suppressed by the drug, being significantly suppressed to 56% of control values within 6 hr of administration. P-450h mRNA levels were further lowered to 10% of control by 24 hr. The kinetics of suppression of P-450h apoprotein and mRNA by poly rl.poly rC indicate that the primary mechanism(s) is (are) at a pretranslational level. Tilorone analog R11-877DA (TA) (50 mg/kg, ip), also an interferon inducer, produced qualitatively similar effects to those of poly rl.poly rC, although the TA produced lesser (51% and 59%) decreases in P-450h protein and mRNA, respectively, 24 hr after injection. Again, the results indicate a pretranslational mechanism of P-450h suppression. Although both interferon inducers suppressed hepatic P-450h expression, the magnitudes of these effects were not notably greater than those on total hepatic P-450, indicating that suppression of rat liver P-450 isozymes by interferon inducers is not confined to P-450h.
Increase in primary surgical treatment of T1 and T2 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and rates of adverse pathologic features: National Cancer Data Base

There has been increasing interest in the primary surgical treatment of patients with early T classification (T1‐T2) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), with the stated goal of de‐escalating or avoiding adjuvant treatment. Herein, the authors sought to determine the degree to which this interest has translated into changes in practice patterns, and the rates of adverse postoperative pathologic features.
Antimalarial Activity and Isolation of Phenolic Compound from Parkia biglobosa

Parkia biglobosa popularly called African locust bean tree is used traditionally for the treatment of malaria. Phenolic compounds were found to be the major antimalarial components of Parkia biglobosa . The aim of this work is to evaluate the antiplasmodial activity and isolate phenolic compounds from Parkia biglobosa.The stem barks of Parkia biglobosa were extracted with methanol to obtain methanol extract. The extract was also subjected to column chromatography to obtain four fractions, these fractions were preliminary tested for antiplasmodial potency and methanol fraction which gave the most potent effect was fully evaluated and was refractionated to obtain the phenolic compounds. Phytochemical test, Thin layer chromatography (TLC), Infra-red (IR) spectroscopy and functional group tests were used to study the compounds. The compounds showed antimalarial activity against P.berghei and clinical isolate of P.falciparum. This study confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds in the stem extract of Parkia biglobosa, further research is needed to identify the chemical structures of the compounds from Parkia biglobosa and this may serve as new lead structure in the development of an antimalarial agent.
Central pain in a hemispherectomized patient

We have examined a hemispherectomized patient who complained of touch‐evoked pricking and burning pain in her paretic hand, especially when the hand was cold. Psychophysical examination showed that for the paretic side she confused cool and warm temperatures, and confirmed that she had a robust allodynia to brush stroking that was enhanced at a cold ambient temperature. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) showed that during brush‐evoked allodynia, brain structures implicated in normal pain processing (viz. posterior part of the anterior cingulate cortex, secondary somatosensory cortex, and prefrontal cortices) were activated. The fMRI findings thus indicate that the central pain in this patient was served by brain structures implicated in normal pain processing. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms include plasticity as well as thalamic disinhibition.
Clozapine use in children and adolescents

Background: Although the role of clozapine is well established for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, it is rarely used in pediatric populations, mainly due to its potentially serious adverse effects. Objective: To summarize practical aspects of use of clozapine in treating children with schizophrenia and management of associated adverse effects. Methods: Available studies in the literature using clozapine in the pediatric population are summarized and the NIMH experience in treating refractory childhood-onset schizophrenia cases with clozapine is discussed. Conclusion: Despite a higher incidence of adverse effects in children, clozapine appears to be a uniquely beneficial second-line agent for treating children with refractory schizophrenia.
An avalanche-mode amorphous Selenium photoconductive layer for use as a camera tube target

It was found for the first time that an evaporated amorphous photoconductive layer of selenium produced the phenomenon of avalanche multiplication, and an amorphous photoconductive layer was used as the target in an experimental camera tube. The camera tube shows high sensitivity, greatly in excess of a quantum efficiency of unity, the upper limit of the sensitivity of a conventional blocking target layer. Deterioration of lag and resolution characteristics were hot observed. The noise produced by the avalanche mode was negligible. This experimental target layer is expected to prove especially suitable for high-performance camera tubes.
Identification of microsatellite instability and mismatch repair gene mutations in breast cancer cell lines

At present, there is conflicting evidence whether microsatellite instability (MSI) plays a role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Here we describe for the first time an MSI+ phenotype in two breast cancer cell lines, CAL51 and MT‐3, resembling that observed in colorectal cancers. These cell lines are characterized by near‐diploid and hyperdiploid karyotypes, respectively. We detected MSI in these cell lines within two non‐coding (BAT‐25 and BAT‐26) and within coding repeat sequences of genes known to be mutated in MSI+ cancer (TGFBR2, IGF2R, BAX). We provide evidence that the inactivation of MMR genes is responsible for MSI in these cell lines. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Control of oxygen tension and pH in a bioreactor for cartilage tissue engineering.

Introduction (instead of abstract) Environmental parameters such as oxygen tension and extracellular pH are believed to play a crucial role in successful tissue engineering. Identifying the optimal values of such parameters and understanding the cellular mechanisms that they govern are essential steps in the tissue engineering process. Cartilage, for example, is well known for its avascularity and its naturally hypoxic state in vivo. However, mimicking this hypoxic state in vitro does not automatically translate to improved tissue engineering results. In fact, the effect of hypoxia on chondrocytes appears to differ between species, differentiation state and metabolic condition [1]. Similarly, while chondrocytes are generally believed to experience a slightly acidic environment, a pH of approximately 7.2 seems to be favored for matrix synthesis [2], as lower values appear to inhibit GAG deposition [3]. Unfortunately, the mechanism by which pH influences matrix synthesis remains unknown. Moreover, the effects of oxygen tension and pH can also vary with medium composition if they exert an effect on, for example, growth factor functionality. We investigated the functionality of a new bioreactor, that allows independent control of oxygen tension and pH in 24 individual wells, for tissue engineering purposes. Accuracy and consistency of control were examined and an experiment was performed with human articular chondrocytes using oxygen and pH control to evaluate this bioreactor in a relevant tissue engineering application.
Mutation spectrum in the nephrin gene (NPHS1) in congenital nephrotic syndrome

Congenital nephrotic syndrome, Finnish type (CNF or NPHS1), is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by massive proteinuria and development of nephrotic syndrome shortly after birth. The disease is most common in Finland, but many patients have been identified in other populations. The disease is caused by mutations in the gene for nephrin which is a key component of the glomerual ultrafilter, the podocyte slit diaphragm. A total of 30 mutations have been reported in the nephrin gene in patients with congenital nephrotic syndrome worldwide. In the Finnish population, two main mutations have been found. These two nonsense mutations account for over 94% of all mutations in Finland. Most mutations found in non‐Finnish patients are missense mutations, but they include also nonsense and splice site mutations, as well as deletions and insertions. This mutation update summarizes the nature of all previously reported nephrin mutations and, additionally, describes 20 novel mutations recently identified in our laboratory. Hum Mutat 17:368–373, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Rh blood group system in review: A new face for the next decade

h is the most well-recognized blood group system after ABO, probably because of the dramatic presentation of a fetus suffering hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) following maternal alloimmunization to the D antigen. Even individuals not associated with medicine have heard of the “Rh factor” and are aware that it has some importance in pregnancy. The earliest recorded description of the syndrome dates to the 1600s from a French midwife who attended the delivery of a set of twins, one of which was hydropic and the other was jaundiced and died of kernicterus. The agent responsible for the wide range of fetal symptoms, from mild jaundice to fetal demise, remained obscure until 1941. Levine and colleagues observed that the delivery of a stillborn fetus and the adverse reaction in the mother to a blood transfusion from the father were related and were the result of an immune reaction to a paternal antigen. Serologists’ relationship with the offending blood group system began when it was confused with a Rhesus monkey red blood cell (RBC) protein, now termed LW, and much argument and debate ensued over who should receive credit for its discovery. Becoming aware of the antigen, however, was only the beginning of the story. This blood group system would become notorious for its complexity, with numerous antigens and multiple nomenclatures defining it. Several seminal events characterized the history of the Rh system. One of the most important was the observation that ABO mismatch between a mother and the fetus had a partial protective effect against immunization R to D. This suggested the rationale for the development of Rh immune globulin (RhIG). Although immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies did not provide protection, immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-D was effective. By the early 1960s, a mere 20 years after the discovery of Rh incompatibility, an effective treatment was available. Despite their clinical importance, the extremely hydrophobic nature of the Rh proteins made biochemical studies difficult, and the proteins were not successfully isolated until the late 1980s. This led to the cloning of the genes in the 1990s and to major advances in our understanding of the Rh system. The molecular bases of most Rh antigens have been determined, and the RH gene structure explains why this system is so polymorphic. Specifically, the conventional Rh antigens are encoded by two genes, RHD and RHCE, but numerous gene conversion events between them create hybrid genes. The resulting novel hybrid proteins containing regions of RhD joined to RhCE, or the converse, generate the myriad of different Rh antigens. The goal of this review is to highlight the insights gained since the cloning of the genes, describe applications for RH molecular testing to clinical practice, introduce other members of the Rh family of proteins that are present in other tissues, and focus on the next piece of the Rh puzzle, that is, efforts to determine the structure and function of the Rh family of proteins.
The role of mast cells in tumour angiogenesis

Mast cells (MCs) were first described by Paul Ehrlich in his doctoral thesis (Ehrlich, 1878). He discovered these cells in various organs of several animal species and `recognized their tendency to concentrate around blood vessels, nerves and glandular ducts as well as in inflammatory and neoplastic foci' (Selye, 1965). MCs are derived from precursors of the haematopoietic lineage and complete their differentiation in peripheral tissues (Galli, 1990). All mammalian MCs express common characteristics, including plasma membrane receptors binding IgE antibodies and cytoplasmic granules storing biogenic amines, proteoglycans, cytokines and neutral proteases (Figs 1 and 2). However, MC populations show marked differences in their phenotypic expression in distinct anatomical sites, a phenomenon called `mast cell heterogeneity' (Galli, 1990). Human MCs are conventionally divided into two types depending on the expression of different proteases in their granules. MCT cells (also regarded as immune cell associated) contain tryptase and are predominantly located in the respiratory and intestinal mucosa, where they colocalize around T lymphocytes. MCTC cells contain both tryptase and chymase and are predominantly found in connective tissue areas, such as skin, conjunctiva and synovium. Typically, MCs stain metachromatically, because of the presence of the sulphated glycosaminoglycan heparin.
Hypoxia-induced production of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (CXCL12) and vascular endothelial growth factor by synovial fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVE Stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1; or, CXCL12) is a potent chemotactic and angiogenic factor that has been proposed to play a role in the recruitment of lymphocytes into rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium. We tested the hypothesis that synovial SDF-1 expression is regulated by cytokine and hypoxic stimulation, the latter being mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha). These factors regulate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), itself an important angiogenic mediator. METHODS RA and osteoarthritic synovial fibroblasts and whole tissue explants were cultured under normoxic or hypoxic (1% O(2)) conditions for up to 72 hours in the presence or absence of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), or transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta). Expression of HIF-1alpha, VEGF, and SDF-1 was detected in synovial tissue and cells by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. VEGF and SDF-1 expression by cultured synovial fibroblasts was evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of HIF-1alpha, VEGF, and SDF-1 in RA synovium. Patchy expression of HIF-1alpha was detected primarily in the synovial lining and sublining areas; expression in synovial fibroblasts and in the lining cells of whole synovial tissue explants was markedly augmented by hypoxic culture conditions. Hypoxia enhanced the expression of VEGF and SDF-1 messenger RNA in synovial fibroblasts. The production of VEGF and SDF-1 protein by synovial fibroblasts was augmented by 50% and 132%, respectively, after 24 hours of hypoxia. VEGF production was potently induced by TGFbeta, and to a lesser extent by IL-1beta and TNF, and was further augmented by hypoxia. In contrast, none of the tested cytokines induced SDF-1 production. CONCLUSION As with VEGF, SDF-1 expression is induced by hypoxia; however, cytokines induce VEGF but not SDF-1. Hypoxic conditions in RA synovium, which are likely to be transient and episodic, may contribute to the persistence of synovitis by inducing VEGF and SDF-1.
Immunotherapy of established tumors in mice by intratumoral injection of interleukin-2 plasmid DNA: induction of CD8+ T-cell immunity.

Intratumoral (i.t.) injection of a plasmid DNA vector encoding the murine interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene was used to treat established renal cell carcinoma (Renca) tumors in BALB/c mice. Tumor regression was observed in 60-90% of mice that were injected i.t. for 4 days with IL-2 plasmid DNA complexed with the cationic lipid DMRIE/DOPE ((+/-)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2,3-bis(tetradecyloxy)-1-propa naminium bromide/dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine). The mice remained tumor-free until the conclusion of the study, which was 4 months after tumor challenge. In a rechallenge experiment, mice that were rendered tumor-free for 6 months by IL-2 plasmid DNA treatment rejected a subsequent challenge of Renca cells but could not reject a challenge with the unrelated, syngeneic CT-26 tumor. Spleen cells from cured mice contained Renca-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and adoptive transfer of mixed lymphocyte cultures into naive mice at 2 days after challenge with Renca cells prevented tumor growth. In vivo depletion of T-cell subsets at the time of i.t. injection with IL-2 plasmid DNA demonstrated that CD8+ T cells, but not CD4+ T cells, were the primary effectors of the antitumor response.
The Immune Response in In Situ Tissue Engineering of Aortic Heart Valves

The gold standard for treatment of advanced heart valve disease is surgical heart valve re‐ placement. None of the currently available mechanical and bioprosthetic heart valve substi‐ tutes resembles normal heart valve function. While mechanical heart valves offer excellent durability, they require life-long anticoagulation to control thromboembolism, which inher‐ ently leads to an increased risk of hemorrhage complications. Bioprosthetic valves on the other hand, retain a more physiological blood flow pattern, but these valves are prone to calcifica‐ tion and structural deterioration, limiting their lifespan. For both types of replacement valves, the main limitation is that they are non-living prostheses, incapable of adapting to changes in the hemodynamic environment. It was shown that a living autograft implanted in the aortic position (the Ross procedure) improves long-term clinical outcome compared to a non-living homograft [1]. This illustrates the importance of the regulatory and adaptive properties of a living valve substitute. Tissue engineered aortic valves can provide such an autologous, viable valve with the potential to grow, adapt, and regenerate within the hemodynamic environ‐ ment. Evidently, the pediatric and young adult population would benefit most from such a tis‐ sue engineered aortic valve. The valve’s ability to grow as the recipient grows and matures, eliminates the need for repetitive surgeries. [2-7].
Dysfunctional overnight memory consolidation in ecstasy users

Sleep plays an important role in the consolidation and integration of memory in a process called overnight memory consolidation. Previous studies indicate that ecstasy users have marked and persistent neurocognitive and sleep-related impairments. We extend past research by examining overnight memory consolidation among regular ecstasy users (n=12) and drug naïve healthy controls (n=26). Memory recall of word pairs was evaluated before and after a period of sleep, with and without interference prior to testing. In addition, we assessed neurocognitive performances across tasks of learning, memory and executive functioning. Ecstasy users demonstrated impaired overnight memory consolidation, a finding that was more pronounced following associative interference. Additionally, ecstasy users demonstrated impairments on tasks recruiting frontostriatal and hippocampal neural circuitry, in the domains of proactive interference memory, long-term memory, encoding, working memory and complex planning. We suggest that ecstasy-associated dysfunction in fronto-temporal circuitry may underlie overnight consolidation memory impairments in regular ecstasy users.
Screening Children with Asthma for Psychosocial Adjustment Problems: A Tool for Health Care Professionals

Objective. To develop a brief questionnaire for health care professionals to use in screening children with asthma for psychosocial adjustment problems. Method. The initial version of the Childhood Asthma Resiliency Questionnaire (CARQ) listed 85 items focusing on self-esteem, medical fears, peer relationships, family relations, stress, and depression. The number of items was reduced after focus groups and pilot testing. In pilot tests, 100 children with asthma completed the CARQ. Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Another sample of 73 children with mild asthma was also obtained. Results. The total CARQ score was significantly correlated (p < 0.001) with Total Problems, Internalizing, and Externalizing Problems on the CBCL. Children with more hospitalizations and more days of school missed from asthma had significantly higher scores on the CARQ compared to children with less functional morbidity. Conclusion. The CARQ appears to be a useful brief measure to help clinicians identify children at risk for problems adjusting to asthma.